Responses from EU regarding UK’s request for Article 50 extensions are generally hardline. European Council President Donald Tusk said EU will only approval short Article 50 extension if UK Parliament passes the Brexit deal. And, if the vote is passed in the Commons next week, the extension can then be finalized using a written procedure. Tusk is also ready to call a summit next week if needed.
Full statement of Tusk.
“In the light of the consultations that I have conducted over the past days, I believe that a short extension would be possible.
But it would be conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons.
The question remains open as to the duration of such an extension.
At this time, I do not foresee an extraordinary European council.
If the leaders approve my recommendations and there is a positive vote in the House of Commons next week, we can finalise and formalise the decision on extension in the written procedure.
However, if there is such a need, I will not hesitate to invite the members of the European council for a meeting to Brussels next week.
Although Brexit fatigue is increasingly visible and justified, we cannot give up seeking until the very last moment a positive solution – of course, without opening up the withdrawal agreement.
We have reacted with patience and goodwill to numerous turns of events and I am confident that also now we will not lack the same patience and goodwill at this most critical point in this process.”
Earlier French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said also said the extension will only be granted if May could provide guarantee for passing the deal. He said: “A situation in which Mrs May was not able to present to the European Council sufficient guarantees of the credibility of her strategy would lead to the extension request being dismissed and opting for a no-deal exit.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said “We’ve always said that if the Council has to decide on a deadline extension for Britain, then we’d like to know why and what for.”
