London (CNN) European leaders have approved the UK's request for a three-month extension to the Brexit process, averting a no-deal split on Halloween but extending the political saga into next year.

The bloc's 27 remaining leaders agreed to a "flextension" until January 2020, Donald Tusk, president of the EU Council, tweeted on Monday.

The EU27 has agreed that it will accept the UK's request for a #Brexit flextension until 31 January 2020. The decision is expected to be formalised through a written procedure. — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) October 28, 2019

The delay -- a third granted by Europe this year -- must still be formalized. It will be cut short if Boris Johnson passes his exit deal before then.

It could also have ramifications for the Prime Minister's push to secure a Christmas general election, a request which will be voted on in Parliament later on Monday. Opposition parties had blocked Johnson's effort to force a poll while a no-deal break from the EU remained on the table.

French President Emmanuel Macron reprised the role of "bad cop" in the delay negotiations, suggesting last week he would be reluctant to grant another extension unless circumstances in Westminster changed significantly.

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