‘More positive narrative needed’ on Brexit

As expected, the council, including the EU heads of government, has decided that there has not yet been ‘sufficient progress’ to move on to a ‘second phase of talks’. This refers to starting to discuss matters like the UK and EU’s future trading relationship as well as agreeing on any transitional arrangements after Brexit.

However Mr Tusk says they hope these can start in December.

The ‘first phase’ includes, notably, expat rights, the ‘exit bill’ and the Northern Ireland border.

Mr Tusk said: “I want to be the positive motivator for the next five or six weeks because our ambition is to achieve this, the end of the first phase in December. And for this we need also, maybe, more positive narrative…

“What was my feeling today, also during my meeting before our session, my tete-a-tete with Prime Minister Theresa May, I feel that, for sure, both sides present only goodwill, and this is why I, maybe, in my rhetoric, I’m, maybe, a little bit more optimistic than Michel Barnier, but we are also in a different role.

“Michel Barnier is responsible for the negotiations, I am more responsible, first of all for our unity, but also for a good atmosphere and positive mood.”

Mr Barnier spoke last week of difficulties in coming to agreement on matters including the financial settlement, however he also said he hoped they could be resolved by December.

Mr Tusk added: “My impression is that the reports of the deadlock between the EU and the UK have been exaggerated. While progress has not been sufficient, it doesn’t mean there has been no progress at all.”

Mrs May has said negotiators are going through how much Britain owes the EU in financial contributions line by line.

Meanwhile the EU27 will start internal discussions on their approach to the second phase.