FT reports that the EU is ready to give Barnier mandate to close Brexit deal

This from a few hours ago on the Financial Times

The EU is preparing to give its Brexit negotiator new instructions to help close a deal with Britain

• a conciliatory move
• An informal summit in Salzburg this month between the EU's 27 remaining leaders is emerging as one of the most significant Brexit discussions
• Ambassadors in Brussels have been told that, as well as the planned timing of any deal and sticking points such as the Irish border, the meeting will discuss whether to issue additional guidance to Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator.

Here is the link, FT is gated

While the report is from a few hours ago, its getting renewed attention via some of the news wires.