Sweden: Brexit delay 'nearly unavoidable'

Sweden's foreign minister said on Monday that prolonging Brexit negotiations is "nearly unavoidable" given delays in talks, related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ann Linde said there remain "profound differences" between the European Union and the United Kingdom, describing the talks as being "very difficult".

"And it's not the same to do negotiation via video," she said.

Given the difficulties of meeting in person, Sweden would support talks being prolonged after the end of the year, she said.

Linde was speaking after a press briefing where the minister outlined the country's efforts at tackling the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus.