EU News Radio

“Very real danger” Mercosur states will “pull out” of deal - EU

The head of the European Commission in Ireland says there’s a real danger the South American states involved in the EU-Mercosur trade deal, will pull out of it because of ongoing delays in signing it. 

Peter Power was commenting on the decision by the EU to postpone the signing of the Mercosur Trade Agreement until January. EU boss Ursula von der Leyen was due to travel to Brazil to sign the deal over the weekend. But her trip was delayed after the Italian Prime Minister asked for more time to consider it because of concerns among EU farmers.  Peter Power says the delays may prompt the four Mercosur states to pull out of the Agreement. 

Dur: 00:24

Mercosur delay a “tragedy” - EU Power

The decision to postpone the signing of the Mercosur Trade Agreement until January has been described as a “tragedy” by the European Commission in Ireland. EU boss Ursula von der Leyen was due to travel to Brazil to sign the deal over the weekend. But her trip was delayed after the Italian Prime Minister asked for more time to consider the deal because of concerns among EU farmers. 

Peter Power, who heads up the European Commission in Ireland, says the delay will damage the EU’s credibility as a negotiator. 

Dur: 00:27

€90bn to fund Ukraine for next 2 years – VDL

The president of the European Commission is calling on the EU to fund Ukraine to the tune of ninety billion euro (€90bn) over the next two years. Ursula von der Leyen was speaking in the European Parliament this morning. EU leaders will discuss Ukraine at this week’s European Council meeting.  

Dur: 00:14

EU to roll out “know your numbers” heart campaign

The EU is promising to “roll out” a campaign to prompt people to check their vital health details such as cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

It’s all part of the new “Safe Hearts Plan” unveiled by the European Commission this week. The plan is the first ever comprehensive EU approach to tackling the immense public health challenge that heart diseases pose. It contains a range of measures to improve the detection, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

EU Health Commissioner, Olivér VÁRHELYI, told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, many of those who die every year from cardiovascular diseases, could be saved with the right measures.

Dur: 00:30

EU “Safe Hearts Plan” to cut deaths from heart disease

One point seven million (1.7m) people die of heart disease every year. Yet many of those deaths could be prevented with proper planning and preventative measures. That’s according to the European Commission which today unveiled its “Safe Hearts Plan”.

It’s the first ever comprehensive EU approach to tackling the immense public health challenge that heart diseases pose. The “Safe Hearts Plan” contains a range of measures to improve the detection, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

EU Health Commissioner, Olivér VÁRHELYI, told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, many of those who die every year from cardiovascular diseases, could be saved with the right measures. 

Dur: 00:25

EU Affordable Housing plan revealed

EU plans to help roll out affordable housing for people across the EU were unveiled today by the European Commission. Europe’s first ever “Affordable Housing Plan” contains a range of initiatives to help boost the supply of cost-friendly homes across the bloc. 

The proposals include using offsite and modular construction to increase efficiencies and reduce building costs. Cutting red tape to accelerate housing supply is also part of the package. The Commission is also proposing new rules on short-term rentals and unlocking more funds for investments in housing. A revision of State aid rules to facilitate the support of affordable housing is also included in the plan. 

Dan Jørgensen European Commissioner for Energy and Housing outlined details of the Affordable Housing Plan to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this afternoon. 

Dur: 00:16

Protecting children from online abuse - EU

Imposing a common EU-wide minimum age threshold of sixteen years for social media access is one of the proposals being considered by the EU to protect minors from online abuse. Increasing alarm about the impact of online activity on children has prompted a raft of proposals to protect minors from risks such as cyberbullying, sexual abuse, targeted ads and false information.

The EU Tech Security Commissioner says securing children’s safety from online abuse is “an absolute priority” for the European Commission. Henna VIRKKUNEN, made the comments during a debate in the European Parliament today on making online platforms safer for minors.  

Dur: 00:13

European Defence Industry Programme gets green light from MEPs

The first ever European Defence Industry programme (EDIP) got the green light from the European Parliament today. The majority of MEPs backed the scheme that aims to boost Europe’s defence readiness and strengthen its defence industry. It also includes   support to help modernise Ukraine’s defence industry and ease its integration with Europe’s (Defence Industry).

Under the new programme, manufacturing of defence products within the EU will be ramped up. And member states will be encouraged to engage in common defence procurement. The EU Commissioner for Defence and Space,  Andrius Kubilius, told MEPs what the European Defence Industry Programme known as EDIP, will mean for Europe.

Dur: 00:12

EU network of Fact-Checkers to counter disinformation – McGrath

The EU will use a network of fact-checkers to counter disinformation and to highlight content generated by AI. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath who was outlining details of the EU’s European Democracy Shield.  

It’s a new project that aims to protect democracy across the EU and fight against the spread of false information and the manipulation of elections. Speaking this morning in the European Parliament, Commissioner McGrath said these new initiatives are about ensuring transparency, accountability and integrity in the information environment.  

Dur: 00:17

“Solid basis for moving forward” on Ukraine - VDL

Published Monday 24 November 2025

The President of the European Commission says “good progress” has been made in the negotiations for what she’s calling “a just and lasting peace in Ukraine”. However, she’s warning Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty “must be respected”.

Ursula von der Leyen made the comments on Monday following an informal meeting of EU leaders on Ukraine. It took place on the sidelines of the EU-African Union summit in Luanda, Angola. And it follows talks on Ukraine that were held over the weekend in Geneva between US, Ukraine, EU Institutions and European representatives.

Dur: 00:32