EU summit leaders comments ahead of PM May's address to EU leaders (happening now)

• We are monitoring the developments from today's EU summit.
• In a nutshell, while PM May is talking to the opposition, (Labour), to try to find a solution to the Brexit impasse, she is simultaneously asking the EU today at an emergency summit for an extension of sorts.

NOTE:

• The session with the president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, is over.
• Now the European Council is starting its session with Theresa May - She will formally make her request for an article 50 extension lasting until 30 June.

There are various options that have been laid on the table, one of which being an extension until 30 June until the UK passes a deal - The EU is debating a longer extension with caveats. PM May is, however, aiming to get the deal through parliament before 22 May (which would mean the UK would not have to go ahead with the European elections).

Meanwhile, we have various comments from European leaders feeding through the wires:

Macron:

• Macron has warned that 'nothing should be taken for granted' at EU extension talks. 
• We need to understand why UK should get more time;
• Nothing is certain on Brexit extension;
• British people decided to leave EU, not for us to oppose it;
• It is time to take decision now;
• Brexit must not block European project;
• EU unity still at risk, nothing must compromise it;
• EU project must continue despite Brexit.

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Barnier, speaking to the media when he arrived earlier said any article 50 extension would have to be “useful” and “serve a purpose”.

Additional comments from Barnier:

• Any Brexit extension has to serve a purpose;
• Our common purpose is to get withdrawal agreement ratified.