EU keen to resume Brexit talks to end Northern Ireland row

Trade bloc indicates desire to ease tensions with UK over alleged breach of protocol

The EU is pressing to reopen Brexit talks with the UK in an effort to end the bitter row over Northern Ireland a week after it formally launched legal action against the government.

Ireland's foreign minister has indicated that the EU is willing to show some flexibility despite the UK's recent decision to unilaterally delay implementation of the special arrangements for Northern Ireland, which led to the threat of court action.