They were expected to settle on Jan. 31 as the new deadline, the date set in British legislation that was passed recently. The bloc could announce its decision by the end of the week. As with previous extensions, this would most likely be a “flextension,” meaning Britain could ostensibly depart sooner.

There was growing concern that even a three-month delay may not be enough to iron out problems.

Context: Despite the E.U.’s mounting frustration with the divorce negotiations, officials wanted to leave no opportunities for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to blame Brussels for the holdup.

What now? Brexit is only the beginning. After the departure, there will be a long, complicated and expensive “transition period” during which Britain would negotiate the terms of its crucial trade with the bloc. It’s a process that would normally take years — and has the potential to end in a no-deal departure in 2020.

From Opinion: Our columnist writes that a general election is the only way forward.

Lost? We sent an illustrator to London to explain what’s going on.