British EU exit: Tusk wants to prevent no-deal-Brexit

United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum

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What's next in the eternal Brexit drama? The EU will do its utmost to prevent Britain leaving without a contract, according to Council President Donald Tusk. "A no-deal Brexit will never be our decision," Tusk said in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He also told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this weekend.

Tusk's statement could mean that, if necessary, he would recommend extending the Brexit deadline beyond October 31st. He was talking about this with the leaders of the 27 remaining countries, Tusk said. However, the decision on a possible delay will only be made in the next few days. "It depends very much on what the lower house decides - or does not decide," said Tusk.

Aris OIKONOMOU / AFP

Jean-Claude Juncker: "Waste of time and a waste of energy"

Johnson had requested a prolongation of the withdrawal period by the end of January this week against his own will, by order of the British Parliament. The prime minister still wants to pull Brexit through October 31, next week. For this he wants to bring the necessary legislation through his parliament in a rush. After that, the European Parliament also has to say yes to the withdrawal agreement. The agreement was renegotiated last week. On Monday, however, Johnson had failed with the attempt to bring the new agreement with the EU through Parliament. Now only the laws are to be adopted, which regulate the exit.

From the point of view of Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU has done everything in its power to facilitate orderly Brexit. Now it is up to the British Parliament whether it agrees to the revised exit agreement, said Juncker on Tuesday in the European Parliament.

He will always "regret the Brexit," said Juncker. However, the more than three-year long talks about leaving have been "a waste of time and a waste of energy." The EU has been less able to focus on other projects for the benefit of its citizens.