brussels major issue must still resolve safeguard citizens right brexit european parliament negotiator guy verhofstadt say wednesday eve another round divorce negotiations london brussels talk grind slowly verhofstadt say london assurances status eu citizens live britain good enough british prime minister theresa may say two side touch distance deal say tuesday british government expect eu citizens currently live britain would allow stay brexit 2019. recognize report suggest deal citizens right almost finalise still major issue resolve verhofstadt say say one concern britain grant settle status eu citizens base free-of-charge declaration london late proposal envisage conditional application spokesman british government say uk make fair serious offer citizens right real progress make late round negotiations safeguard right eu citizens live uk uk nationals eu first priority negotiations spokesman say want provide much certainty soon possible many eu citizens make live uk make huge contribution country london hop 27 eu state would assess enough progress make divorce talk cover citizens britain exit bill future irish border open new discussions post-brexit transition period future trade relationship soon possible 27 eu leaders take another look december though germany others stress do deal want london improve exit term especially financial settlement gesture toward embattle may however 27 launch internal preparations second set negotiations order ready unify position able present london swiftly satisfy progress divorce talk eu parliament 's brexit negotiator 'major issue unresolved citizens right