EU News Radio

EU foreign policy chief applauds Biden Russian move – Borrell

The EU’s foreign policy chief this morning praised US President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia. Josep Borrell made the comments in Brussels where EU Foreign ministers will today discuss how the EU can continue to support Ukraine. Mr Borrell said the move was “very good news” for the Ukrainians.

Out words: the Ukrainians

Dur: 00:19

Von der Leyen vows “to stand by” Ukraine 1000 days on

The President of the European Commission is vowing to continue supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a video address to mark the one thousandth (1000^th) day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Out words: and destruction

Dur: 00:40

EU facing “completely different” US political landscape – Borrell

EU Foreign ministers will discuss the outcome of the US presidential elections during meetings today in Brussels. The war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East are also on the agenda. The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell this morning had this to say about the outcome of the US elections.

Out words: US decisions

Dur: 00:12

EU forecasts Irish economic fall and rebound

Ireland will record negative economic growth this year, according to the latest economic forecast from the EU. The European Commission Autumn Forecast estimates that Ireland’s GDP will fall by 0.5 percent this year before returning with 4 percent growth next year. The EU says the contraction is a result of multinationals pulling back. Across the European Union, the report predicts low growth for the coming years. The European Economy Commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni, presented the outlook in Brussels this morning,

 

Out words: Subdued pace

Dur: 0’20”

Valencia floods shows Europe is vulnerable - EU

Europe is living through ‘an age of crisis’ when it comes to extreme weather events – that’s the warning from the EU’s Crisis Management Commissioner. Spain has been hit by devastating floods over the past month. More than 200 people have been killed. And the country remains on alert for further heavy rainfall. The EU is providing emergency support. But the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, says with climate change these extreme events are happening more often and all of Europe needs to be ready.

 

Out words: In our future

Dur: 0’53”

Renewables ‘best investment’, EU climate boss tells COP29

The EU’s climate boss says renewable energy is “the best investment we can make”. Wopke Hoekstra has been speaking at the UN’s climate change conference, COP29, taking place in Azerbaijan. At last year’s COP, world leaders agreed to a tripling renewable energy and a doubling energy efficiency by 2030. A rapid expansion of renewables helped the EU reduce its emissions by 8 per cent last year, according to the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra. He says the EU is committed to meeting those targets which he says will bring new jobs as well as environmental benefits.

 

Out words: Dirtier alternatives

Dur: 0’18”

Michael McGrath promises new EU law as grilling begins

Michael McGrath has promised a Digital Fairness Act if he is confirmed as European Commissioner. His three-hour grilling in the European Parliament is underway in Brussels this morning. MEPs are scrutinising his suitability for the job of European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law. His responsibilities – if confirmed in the post – will include consumer protection, data protection and fundamental rights. Giving his opening pitch in the last few minutes, Michael McGrath promised a new law to reassure consumers and better protect children online.

 

Out words: be a priority

Dur: 0’44”

EU farm budget cut would be a “disaster”

The man hoping to be confirmed as the next European Commissioner for Agriculture has promised to lobby for more money for farmers. Luxembourger, Christophe Hansen, comes from a farming family and has pledged to be a ‘boots on the ground’ commissioner, to meet farmers from across Europe. MEPs are grilling him on his suitability for the job in a three-hour hearing this evening. Speaking in the last few minutes, Christophe Hansen told the European Parliament that farmers need more money not less, and that there are important lessons to be learnt from the protests that took place earlier this year.

 

Out words: Over the continent

Dur: 0’24”

EU using trade deal to talk tough to Israel – Sefcovic

The EU is using the weight of its trade deal with Israel to demand a ceasefire, the incoming Trade Commissioner has insisted. For months, the Taoiseach has been asking - without success - for the European Commission to consider whether Israel is breaching the human rights clause of its trade deal with the EU. Former Brexit chief, Maroš Šefčovič, has been nominated as the next EU trade commissioner. MEPs must decide if he is up to the job. Facing scrutiny in the European Parliament this afternoon, he would not commit to suspending the EU’s trade deal with Israel. But he insisted the EU is using the influence of the multi-billion euro agreement to talk tough with Israel.

 

Out words: In the Middle East

Dur: 0’41”

Europe “ready to help” Spain after floods - Von Der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says the floods in Spain are “devastating” and they are what she called “the dramatic reality of climate change”. Ursula von Der Leyen today said Europe is “ready to help”.

Out words: our disposal 

Dur: 01:04