MEPs would be open to another Brexit extension in order to avoid no-deal Brexit or allow a general election in the UK, according to the European Parliament's president.
However, David Sassoli noted that the UK has yet to come forward with any operable new solutions to address the ongoing impasse - and stressed there can be no deal without a backstop to avoid a hard border in Ireland.
Mr Sassoli also suggested there was too much "rigidity" from the British side when it comes to efforts to break the deadlock.
He was speaking after the European Parliament Conference of Presidents met with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier earlier today.
A resolution will be tabled in the EU parliament next week to "re-establish the key points" of the EU position.
Mr Sassoli told reporters: "It's obviously not our place to get involved in the internal debate in the UK, but we are of course going to have to firm up a European Parliament and European Union position.
"You can't have an agreement without the backstop - it really couldn't be any clearer... and don't forget parliament will have the last word."
However, he added: "We're perfectly happy to examine any proposals that are made - we're not ruling anything out. If solutions are proposed, they will be debated - provided of course they protect the guiding principles of the EU.
"We are willing to go back to the original EU proposal, that a backstop will only be added for Northern Ireland.
"We're happy to look at the political declaration again, and make it into a legally binding document."
Brexit deal
According to Mr Sassoli, the European Parliament won't consent to any deal that doesn't address the key issues of citizens' rights, the financial settlement and Northern Ireland.
He explained: "The resolution says if there is a no-deal departure, that will be entirely the responsibility of the United Kingdom.
"The resolution says we are open to a possible extension, provided that it's something that's done for reasons such as avoiding no-deal or having a general election."
Last week, MPs in the House of Commons passed a motion demanding Boris Johnson seek an extension if no new deal is agreed by the middle of October.
The British prime minister, meanwhile, has insisted he'll refuse to ask for another extension - instead reiterating his intention for the UK to leave the EU on October 31st.
