EU grants Britain three-month 'flextension' to sign off Brexit deal
Monday's decision, which comes just three days before Britain was due to leave the bloc, is expected to be formalized in writing, European Council President Donald Tusk announced on Twitter.
The remaining 27 member states gave London the last-minute reprieve with the aim of signing off a Brexit divorce deal struck between British and EU negotiators earlier this month.
The British parliament has indicated preliminary support for the deal, but rejected a three-day ratification timetable proposed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, bringing the approval process to a halt last week.
The so-called "flextension" would allow Britain to exit the EU at the start of December or the start of January if the Brexit deal has been ratified by both sides in time, according to a draft extension text seen by dpa.
"This extension excludes any re-opening of the withdrawal agreement," it notes.
EU member states also warn in the text that the extension "cannot be allowed to undermine the regular functioning of the [European] Union and its institutions."
They demand that Britain act in good faith during its extended EU membership, including by nominating an EU commissioner, something Johnson had previously refused to do. London must agree to these terms.
Britain will now be asked to approve the extension before it can be formally signed off by EU leaders. The member states hope this can be done by Tuesday or Wednesday, according to an EU source.
Johnson, who was legally compelled to seek an extension by parliament against his will, is due to ask British lawmakers to vote later Monday on holding an election on December 12, in return for more time to scrutinize his Brexit deal.
The announcement of the extension should strengthen his call for a fresh vote, as several opposition parties had said they would only back the move if a no-deal Brexit on October 31 was taken off the table by a delay.
