EU approves extension along with two-part plan to avoid no-deal Brexit

In a bid to avoid a no-deal Brexit scenario, the European Union on Thursday (local time) came up with a two-part plan while approving the United Kingdom's request for a Brexit extension.

"EU27 unanimously agrees on its response to UK's requests," Donald Tusk, the President of the European council tweeted after a meeting here.

According to the plan, the EU agreed to an extension to Article 50 till May 22, provided the British Parliament supports the Withdrawal Deal next week when UK Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meaningful vote.

If the deal is not approved next week by the Parliament, the UK will be given an extension only till April 12, according to Tusk.

While outlining the details of the deal, Tusk said EU leaders responded to the request in a "positive spirit."

Despite efforts to avoid a no-deal scenario, Tusk highlighted that the EU would be continuing no-deal preparations.

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