Meeting this evening (1730CEST, 1630BST).........>

EU: Meeting this evening (1730CEST, 1630BST) between EU-27 ambassadors and

Council President Donald Tusk, with Brexit extension request the main issue on

the table.

- Decision over whether to offer extension to 31 Jan 2020, as requested in UK PM

Johnson's unsigned letter, or a shorter extension of just a few weeks.

- The latter is favoured by Irish taoiseach Varadkar and believed to be the

preferred option of most member states. Would allow for a pre-Brexit election.

This could backfire if post-election gov't opted for no-deal, but very unlikely.

Could also see a pro-EU coalition formed under Labour that allows for second

referendum and potential of UK staying, EU's ideal scenario.  

- Short extension believed to be favoured by French gov't. Would give enough

time to get the WAB through parliament but no election. Would almost guarantee

passage of deal, but deny opportunity for a second ref/general election. 

- Question is whether Pres. Macron is willing to be the sole hold out against a

longer extension. Proved malleable in April Euro Council meeting when he allowed

initial Art. 50 extension.