This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35128648

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
EU renegotiations: 'Good progress' at EU talks - Cameron EU renegotiations: 'Good progress' at talks - Cameron
(35 minutes later)
PM David Cameron has said "really good progress" has been made at EU summit talks but renegotiating UK membership would be "very difficult". PM David Cameron has said "really good progress" has been made at EU summit talks in Brussels but renegotiating UK membership would be "very difficult".
Mr Cameron presented his bid to reform the UK's relationship with the EU at dinner at the summit in Brussels. Mr Cameron presented his bid to reform the UK's links with the EU at dinner on the first day of the two-day summit.
The prime minister said hard work would be needed on the four issues for change he put forward at the meeting.The prime minister said hard work would be needed on the four issues for change he put forward at the meeting.
European Council president Donald Tusk said the talks represented a "make of break moment". European Council president Donald Tusk said the talks represented a "make or break moment".
Mr Cameron said: "I think very good progress has been made but it's going to be very difficult. We are trying something that hasn't been tried before. We have taken a big step forward for a better deal for Britain." Migrant crisis dominates as EU holds final summit of 2015
The main sticking point is Mr Cameron's plans to ban EU migrants from claiming in-work benefits, such as tax credits, for four years.
'Better deal'
Mr Cameron said: "We are attempting something very difficult, attempting something that hasn't been tried by another country and that is to renegotiate our position inside this European Union at a time of our choosing, with a mandate of the British people.
"What has happened is we have taken a big step forward for a better deal for Britain. There's still a lot of hard work to be done but there is a path through this to a better deal for Britain."
Mr Tusk said Mr Cameron set out his position, especially on benefits and free movement.Mr Tusk said Mr Cameron set out his position, especially on benefits and free movement.
He added that leaders voiced concern but were willing to look for compromises.He added that leaders voiced concern but were willing to look for compromises.
"Building on this positive debate we agreed to work together to find solutions in all four baskets raised by Prime Minister Cameron," he said."Building on this positive debate we agreed to work together to find solutions in all four baskets raised by Prime Minister Cameron," he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "I am optimistic because we all want a compromise. But work on substance needs to be done. Treaty change might be possible. Not now but perhaps later."German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "I am optimistic because we all want a compromise. But work on substance needs to be done. Treaty change might be possible. Not now but perhaps later."
French President Francois Hollande said there could be adjustments over Mr Cameron's demands but EU rules and principles must be respected.French President Francois Hollande said there could be adjustments over Mr Cameron's demands but EU rules and principles must be respected.
The main sticking point is Mr Cameron's plans to ban EU migrants from claiming in-work benefits, such as tax credits, for four years. Membership vote
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker warned that all four of Mr Cameron's demands were difficult and intensive negotiations were needed before the next summit in February.
He said: "'I'd like to warn you of the illusory impression that there are three easy questions and one tricky one.
"There are four tricky questions, each one covers further questions and we have to consider all of those until February."
UK's EU referendum in-depth
Q&A: What Britain wants from Europe
Guide to the UK's planned in-out EU referendum
BBC News EU referendum special report
Mr Cameron also wants protection for countries outside the eurozone, measures to boost competitiveness and an exemption for Britain from the drive towards an "ever-closer union".
He wants to get a new deal for the UK before putting its membership to an in-out referendum by the end of 2017.
Thursday's discussions over dinner were the first time EU leaders had discussed Mr Cameron's reform proposals in detail.
Also on the agenda at the EU Council meeting was the migrant crisis, climate change and the fight against terrorism.