The EU's chief negotiator has called for an extension to the Brexit transition period in a bid to save stalling trade talks and prevent a no-deal.
Michel Barnier told a committee in Brussels that the European Commission supported an extension beyond the end of the year to give negotiators more time, with scant progress so far.
The EU has previously said it is open to an extension but has shied away from actively calling for one. But as the deadline to extend looms at the end of this month, Mr Barnier's position has shifted.
"We are in favour of an extension, particularly given the current circumstances," Mr Barnier told a meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee.
Boris Johnson's government has steadfastly said it will not extend the transition period, stating that it wants to get talks resolved by the end of the year.
Mr Barnier's call is likely to receive limited support in the UK. While some opposition parties like the Lib Dems, SNP and Greens have called for a further delay, Labour has shied away from backing a longer transition.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer has said he is not calling for one because he wants to see how the government does and hold them to their promise to negotiate a deal by December.
Mr Barnier told the committee that the UK was being unreasonable in aspects of the talks.
"Britain is demanding a lot more from the EU than Canada, Japan or other partners," he said. "We cannot and we will not allow this cherry picking."
He added: "During the past negotiating round UK must have taken note of the EU’s willingness to search for compromises.
"What we now need to make progress are clear and concrete signals the UK too is open to work on an agreement."
Last Friday after a further round of talks conducted by video link he said there had been no significant progress in important areas.
His UK counterpart David Frost called on both sides to "intensify and accelerate" the discussions, with Mr Barnier suggesting a return to face-to-face meetings.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen are to hold a high-level discussion later this month to stake out a way forward, with proceedings expected to be held via video link.
