Ministers from the EU are meeting to approve their mandate for post-Brexit trade talks with the UK.
The document approved by the EU General Affairs Council on Tuesday morning will be the basis for future negotiations, to be carried out by Michel Barnier.
It says that EU standards should serve as "a reference point" in any future trade deal.
Meanwhile, UK ministers will also meet at No 10 to discuss the government's opening stance for negotiations.
The final agreement is due to be published online and presented in Parliament on Thursday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51623444