EU Begins Legal Action Against U.K. Over Brexit Violation

  • Britain could ultimately face financial penalties or tariffs
  • Move marks further escalation of post-Brexit tensions

Under the Brexit deal, Northern Ireland stayed in the EU’s customs union and some of the single market.

Photographer: Paul Faith/Bloomberg
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The European Union launched legal action against the U.K. in a major escalation of tensions between the two sides less than three months after Brexit was formally completed.

It follows Britain’s unilateral decision to delay implementing a key part of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland. The move could ultimately lead to financial penalties or trade tariffs being imposed on the U.K.