Russia lifts threat to ban EU beef imports from January

Russia has lifted its threat to ban beef imports from Europe from the start of next year.

The country had threatened to impose the ban due to concerns about food safety standards in Romania and Bulgaria, which are due to become EU members on January 1.

However, a deal was reached last night to resolve the stand-off.

The news will be particularly welcome in Ireland as Russia is the country's most important beef market outside the EU.