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In the published draft conclusions of their meeting, the EU 27 say:

1. The European Council takes note of the letter of Prime Minister May of 20 March 2019.

2. In response, the European Council approves the Instrument relating to the Withdrawal Agreement and the Joint Statement supplementing the Political Declaration agreed beteween the European Commission and the government of the United Kingdom in Strasbourg on 11 March 2019.

3. The European Council commits to agreeing, before 29 March 2019, to an extension until 22 May 2019, provided the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by the House of Commons next. Given that the United Kingdom does not intend to hold elections to the European Parliament, no extension is possible beyond that date.

4. The European Council reiterates that there can be no reopening of the Withdrawal Agreement that was agreed between the Union and the United Kingdom in November 2018. Any unilateral commitment, statement or other act should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the Withdrawal Agreement.

5. The European Council calls for work to be continued on preparedness and contingency at all levels for the consequences of the United Kingdom's withdrawal, taking into account all possible outcomes.