Extending Article 50 does not just mean a change of dates. There are three more substantive effects. First, HMG has committed to “facilitate the achievement of the Union’s tasks […] in particular when participating in the decision-making processes” - so it promises not to hinder EU27 budget, appointment, or policy decisions. Second (and in case the UK reneges on the first point), the agreement allows the EU27 to make any decision without the UK if it so wishes. And third, in a bid to navigate the election of a new European Parliament, the EU27 will decide when the Withdrawal Agreement comes into force even if HMG can get its own legislation through Westminster.