  We present the analysis of supernova remnants (SNRs) and candidates in M31
identified in the XMM-Newton large programme survey of M31. SNRs are among the
bright X-ray sources in a galaxy. They are good indicators of recent star
formation activities of a galaxy and of the interstellar environment in which
they evolve. By combining the X-ray data of sources in M31 with optical data as
well as with optical and radio catalogues, we aim to compile a complete,
revised list of SNRs emitting X-rays in M31 detected with XMM-Newton, study
their luminosity and spatial distribution, and understand the X-ray spectrum of
the brightest SNRs. We analysed the X-ray spectra of the twelve brightest SNRs
and candidates using XMM-Newton data. The four brightest sources allowed us to
perform a more detailed spectral analysis and the comparison of different
models to describe their spectrum. For all M31 large programme sources we
searched for optical counterparts on the Ha, [Sii], and [Oiii] images of the
Local Group Galaxy Survey. We confirm 21 X-ray sources as counterparts of known
SNRs. In addition, we identify five new X-ray sources as X-ray and optically
emitting SNRs. Seventeen sources are no longer considered as SNR candidates. We
have thus created a list of 26 X-ray SNRs and 20 candidates in M31 based on
their X-ray, optical, and radio emission, which is the most recent complete
list of X-ray SNRs in M31. The brightest SNRs have X-ray luminosities of up to
8 x 10^36 erg/s in the 0.35 - 2.0 keV band.
