Brussels has warned it has 'gone to the limits' in making concessions over the Northern Ireland protocol as wrangling intensifies in what could be the last major battle over Brexit.
As talks take place on how to overhaul the divorce terms, the bloc's ambassador to the UK laid down a marker that it is not prepared to give much more ground.
The combative stance came after the European Commission unveiled proposals to slash 80 per cent of regulatory checks and dramatically cut customs processes on the movement of goods between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland.
Although the government welcomed the shifts outlined by Maros Sefcovic - which should ease the flow of food, farming produce and medicines - there is still a major flashpoint over the role of the European Court of Justice in policing the arrangements.
Brexit minister Lord Frost has insisted the ECJ should be removed entirely from the process and and independent arbiter should resolve disputes.
But there are hints at a compromise on that issue as well, with reports that the EU is ready to water down the court's role so it only gets involved as a final resort to settle spats over narrow legal interpretation.
EU officials are in London for talks today, while Lord Frost is expected in Brussels tomorrow to meet Mr Sefcovic.
Speaking on BBC2's Newsnight, EU ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida said Brussels has gone the 'extra mile' and cannot go any further following Wednesday's proposals
The Northern Ireland protocol has sparked a rise in sectarian tensions in the province
EU officials are in London for talks today, while Lord Frost (right) is expected in Brussels tomorrow to meet Maros Sefcovic (left)
