Taoiseach Enda Kenny has demanded decisiveness from EU leaders at crisis talks on the economy.

As he left today for talks in Brussels, Mr Kenny said measures needed to be agreed to tackle the deepening uncertainty that could be rubber-stamped by the middle of next week.

The heads of state and government of the 17 euro zone countries are meeting in Brussels tomorrow for a summit aimed at resolving the region's worsening debt problems.

It was hoped to come up with a comprehensive recovery plan at the talks but divisions between Germany and France on the best way forward have led to a second summit being called for Wednesday.

"It is important that this weekend's meeting of euro area leaders in Brussels arrives at political decisions that can subsequently be endorsed at the euro zone meeting on Wednesday," said Mr Kenny. "Decisiveness must be shown by all leaders in finding solutions to the current crisis so that much needed confidence can be restored to markets and certainty provided for all citizens of the EU."

It is expected some member states will have to go back to their national parliaments during the first half of next week with any deal reached at the talks.

A series of EU meetings likely to last until at least Wednesday began last night with talks between the 17 euro zone finance ministers.

Today all 27 finance ministers were assessing the broader picture and assessing the risk of contagion from Greece. They are also finalising plans for a recapitalisation of banks, making them better placed to withstand future economic shocks.