Reuters reports that the head of the European Union's executive reported "genuine progress" in Brexit talks but said the risk of Britain leaving the EU without a deal on Dec. 31 remained, an outcome she said the bloc was prepared for.

"The next days are going to be decisive," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament. "The European Union is well prepared for a no-deal-scenario, but of course we prefer to have an agreement."

"With very little time ahead of us, we will do all in our power to reach an agreement. We are ready to be creative. But we are not ready to put into question the integrity of our single market," she said.

Negotiators have agreed the outline of a new partnership treaty on goods and services, as well as on transport, she said.