Discussions are intensifying on a Brexit agreement in view of Thursday's Summit, and in particular on the two sides reaching a legally binding text to replace the current "backstop" with an agreement of similar strength and scope.
Michel Barnier announced that he had briefed the Article 50 General Affairs Council this morning in Luxembourg, publicly stating that "we want an agreement that works for all, the whole of the UK and the whole of the EU" and noting that "the unity of the EU remains powerful".
Michel Barnier also announced that he was returning to Brussels to inform his associates and then tomorrow the Permanent Representatives Council. As the Chief Representative of the Commission commented, "we are working on the horizon of the Summit and therefore every hour counts". He noted that in order for the discussions to proceed, it makes sense to require texts.