While Boeing still has some final actions to close off,
This important consideration deserves a little more attention than Boeing and the FAA are enabling. One of two situations exists before an aircraft is presented for design approval evaluation - either it conforms to a defined design (that for which approval is being sought), or it does not. If the aircraft has some "final actions to close off", is it appropriate for Boeing to present it for evaluation, and approval? Sure, there may be developmental test flying, we all agree what that is, but if the plane is being presented for certification flight testing, it should be 100% compliant with the design configuration for which approval is sought.
I believe that EASA and the other international authorities are aware that Boeing and the FAA may have the cart before the horse a little with the MAX recertification, and are asserting that correct process be followed. After all, it was an apparent breakdown of the certification process which got them here in the first place! The certification testing process usually requires that the applicant present a completed "Declaration of Conformity" report, to certify to the authority that what is being presented for test conforms entirely to the design for which approval is sought. I hope that Boeing has had the courtesy to the authorities to complete the process in the intended order of operations.