brussels british prime minister theresa may modest reprieve stall brexit talk friday european union leaders signal readiness move negotiations forward come months despite positive tone weaken may face delicate political balance act try meet eu demand concrete pledge britain divorce bill without stoke backlash brexit campaigners home would prefer walk away talk eu leaders say summit brussels would begin preparations move phase two brexit negotiations december step forward would allow london discuss future trade relationship bloc yet also make clear may would move end year settle financial bill eu officials estimate around 60 billion euros think clear additional step need take german chancellor angela merkel tell news conference end summit say movement financial settlement crucial progress december french president emmanuel macron tough say two side yet complete even half work financial settlement accuse britain bluff use media suggest could deal lot hand theresa may say eu official say take 90 second 27 leaders adopt brexit conclusions end meet underline unite may say provide specific financial pledge know shape future relationship eu insist two side agree exit bill right eu citizens post-brexit world irish border issue delve future tie ask whether improve offer 20 billion euros may say repeat commitments make speech italy last month say bloc would pocket come budget run 2020. make clear eu counterparts relation financial contributions ... nobody need concern current budget plan ... honor commitments make membership tell news conference return britain detail work commitments ... go line line continue go line line final text eu-27 read european union ... note uk state honor financial obligations take membership yet translate firm concrete commitment uk settle obligations still leaders hold open hope reach deal next regular summit december move could save weeks delay order eu negotiators start prepare brussels want transition period uncertainty final shape brexit deal unsettle businesses side channel terry scuoler ceo british manufacturers association eef welcome warm word eu leaders say industry need hint progress eu leaders work hard strike positive tone summit may use dinner late thursday appeal 27 leaders help silence critics home offer signal talk would move many upbeat may strike animate friendly conversation begin summit merkel french president emmanuel macron see britain hardliners talk might enough may calm immediate concern home brexit campaigners urge british prime minister signal readiness leave eu without deal rely world trade organization rule face major dilemma gear next eu summit december next eight weeks challenge ... theresa may consequential brexit say mujtaba rahman analyst eurasia group chair summit donald tusk say would need positive narrative reach brexit deal december sentiment echo european commission president jean-claude juncker detail detail need say work assumption deal britain 's may win brexit reprieve face tough weeks ahead