Not so long ago, Britain and Europe had a so-called fishing dispute. Today, tensions between the UK and the EU are escalating again, this time, over the import of sausages and other chilled meats. The dispute has been called a “sausage war” by UK media. In particular, London and Brussels failed to reach an agreement on post-Brexit trade with Northern Ireland and its imports of chilled minced meat from the UK. At first, both sides exchanged threats and then resorted to action. Thus, the EU intends to limit the access of Britain to the single European market. Even after Brexit, Northern Ireland de facto remains within the EU customs union. However, given their geopolitical state, the UK gains a significant advantage in trade relations with Northern Ireland. The “sausage issue” was discussed between government officials, in particular, British Brexit minister David Frost and European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. "There weren't any breakthroughs. There aren't any breakdowns either, and we are going to carry on talking," Frost commented on the talks. A source familiar with the matter said that London was ready to consider all possible options in case there was no agreement reached. The UK warned it might unilaterally extend the grace period for fast-track exports of its meat products to Northern Ireland.
