EU leaders are expected to formally agree to start the next phase of Brexit negotiations later.
It means talks can move on to the long-term relationship between the UK and EU, days after Theresa May suffered her first defeat in the House of Commons.
Mrs May was applauded by other leaders at dinner in Brussels on Thursday night after she made a speech about Brexit.
The next round of talks on a transition deal for the end of Brexit are expected to begin as early as next week.
The European Commission has said “sufficient progress” has been made on the first phase to move onto discussing the framework of a future relationship – including issues such as security and trade.
Its president Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU’s initial priority was to “formalise the agreement we have now” on issues such as citizens’ rights before starting negotiations on a future relationship.
Speaking to reporters, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said progress had been made but there was “much more work to be done and time is of the essence”.
Under EU rules, the prime minister will not attend the meeting where the decision is formally confirmed.
Source: BBC
