EU negotiator: Brexit talks make “good progress”

European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says Brexit talks with the UK are making “good progress” as both sides try to finalize a last-minute deal ahead of a meeting of EU leaders.

Barnier spoke briefly to reporters as he arrived at the European Parliament on Wednesday evening to brief members of the EU’s Brexit Steering Group.

EU leaders will gather Thursday at a two-day summit in Brussels with hopes they can finally agree on a Brexit deal. The UK is set to leave the bloc on Oct. 31.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he hopes that a Brexit deal is being finalized among negotiators in Brussels.

Macron said in Toulouse, France, that “I want to believe that a deal is being finalized and that we can approve it tomorrow (Thursday),” when EU leaders are meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.