James HesterEU leaders agreed to allow Brexit talks to progress to trade negotiations on Friday.
The declaration was widely expected after the UK reached a compromise with the EU last week on the Brexit divorce settlement, citizen´s rights and the Irish border.
At a Brussels summit on Friday, the leaders of the EU27 effectively rubber stamped the European Commission´s recommendation that talks could commence on the UK´s future relationship with the EU.
It came after UK Prime Minister Theresa May received applause from EU leaders on Thursday evening, showing their appreciation of her efforts to advance difficult negotiations.