Progress made in Brexit talks

BRUSSELS, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced Friday that "sufficient progress" has been made on Brexit negotiations to enter the next phase of talks on trade and security.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, he said "today's result is a compromise. It is a result of long and intense discussions." He said the Commission's assessment is based on a Joint Report agreed by the negotiators of the Commission and the United Kingdom Government, which was today endorsed by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Juncker said he would recommend to the European Council that "sufficient progress" have now been made to enter the second-phase of talks.
EU leaders are to meet in Brussels next week.
On her part, May told the joint press conference that the negotiations "required give and take by both sides." She welcomed the prospect of moving ahead to the next phase of talks about trade and security and discuss about the positive and ambitious future relationship with the EU.
She said the UK is interested in "building a deep and special partnership" with the EU. (end) nk.mb