The conditions on this extension are that during this period the course of action will be entirely in the UK’s hands, consequently, they have the possibility to cancel Brexit or in case they ratify the Withdrawal Agreement, the extension will be terminated.
Background: On March 29, 2017, the UK notified the EU of its intention to withdraw from the EU, being the first agreed withdrawal date on March 29, 2019. Since then, both parties negotiated an agreement setting out the arrangements for UK’s withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the EU. In November 2018, both parties reached a Withdrawal Agreement and a Political Declaration. However, the Agreement was only approved by the EU.
On March 21, 2019, the EU agreed a short extension of the UK withdrawal from the EU until April 12, 2019. However, in order to avoid a no-deal Brexit, on April 10, 2019, the EU Council granted UK a flexible extension period until October 31, 2019.
Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the special meeting of the European Council on April 10, 2019.