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Shifting sands as always before an EU summit focused on controversial issue: this time #Brexit and the PMs new extension request /1
The 27 EU ambassadors meet tonight and will try to hammer out a common position - even draft conclusions for tomorrow’s summit /2
WARNING: EU leaders can change draft conclusions when meet tomorrow. At last #Brexit summits, they have taken a tougher line than their ambassadors /3
At the moment there is a draft of the draft conclusions floating around (..I know!) but length of extension is not specified - only that they would like to grant one /4
I’m hearing that most counties are warming to idea of longer extension till end of year with firm conditions attached eg UK taking part in elections for European Parliament and acting in good faith as long as inside EU /5
But a handful of countries remain sceptical eg France, Austria +EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier. They worry if UK has seats in European Parliament then it remains very much inside club +could repeatedly ask for more #Brexit extensions until 5year legislative period is over /6
