Hague told The Daily Telegraph newspaper that Britons could be given the opportunity to express their views in either a general election or a referendum.

He indicated that the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government would likely reject the notion of a straight in-or-out referendum, the broadsheet said.

Instead, the Conservative Party -- which Hague used to lead -- would likely present a plan on renegotiating the return of powers from Brussels which would form the basis of the centre-right party's next election manifesto.

"There's likely to come the time that a fresh settlement will require fresh consent either in a general election or a referendum," he said.

Hague stressed he supported Britain's EU membership, but added: "There are major problems in the extent of the bureaucracy, the regulations that continue to be produced... there is too much Europe in our national life, daily life, at a level of intervention that isn't necessary."

Asked whether the next general election would effectively serve as a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, he said: "On that you'll obviously have to wait for our manifesto for the next election.

"The Prime Minister (David Cameron) has said that he will speak, that he will make a speech on that in the coming months. So I think there will be more answers to that at that time."