EU's Sefcovic 'absolutely convinced' of N.Ireland deal if UK engages

European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic speaks to members of the media during a video conference after a bilateral meeting with Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, November 15, 2021. John Thys/Pool via REUTERS

DUBLIN (Reuters) -The European Commission's Maros Sefcovic said on Monday he is "absolutely convinced" Britain and the European Union can break their impasse over post-Brexit trade arrangements for Northern Ireland if London engages on outstanding issues.

Britain and the EU agreed last week to intensify efforts to solve issues around the Northern Ireland protocol. Brussels cautiously welcomed a change in tone from London, though British Brexit minister David Frost said "significant gaps" remained.