Cameron is currently touring Europe in an attempt to secure reforms to the 28-member bloc, before campaigning to stay in the EU ahead of the referendum promised before the end of 2017.
However, he said voters could be influenced by the influx of migrants on the continent, fleeing war in the Middle East and north Africa.
"With... The migration crisis, the short-term impact is for people to think, 'Oh Christ, push Europe away from me, it's bringing me problems'," he told Britain's Spectator magazine.
The prime minister suggested that longer-term, voters may conclude it would better to remain close to European policy- making in order to deal with the crisis, hinting that he may not call an early referendum.
Cameron met with Poland Prime Minister Beata Szydlo today, where he is trying to win support for reforms to welfare payments for migrants within the EU.
Poland is opposed to the reforms, but Cameron said the pair had "agreed to work together to find a solution."
However, the Polish prime minister told reporters she did not "see eye to eye" with Cameron over welfare and benefits.
Britain has agreed to take in 20,000 refugees from camps in countries bordering Syria, but is not part of the official programme to relocate those arriving independently in Europe.
Germany is keen for European partners to take in more, with official figures showing that it registered 964,574 new asylum seekers in the first 11 months of the year, putting it on course for a million arrivals in 2015.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
