EU News Radio

Number of road deaths on EU roads “unacceptably high” – EU

The number of people dying on EU roads remains “unacceptably high”. That’s according to the European Transport Commissioner who was speaking today at the launch of a global campaign for road safety.  

According to Adina Valean, twenty thousand six hundred people (20,600) lost their lives on EU roads last year. And she warned, progress on reducing road fatalities has stalled in some EU countries in recent years.

Out words: twenty thirty

Dur: 00:24

Hollywood actress Yeoh pleads for road safety during Brussels visit

Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh warned about the dangers of reckless driving today during a visit to Brussels. The Academy award winner was taking part in the launch of a global campaign for road safety which took place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.

Ireland has seen an increase in road deaths so far this year compared to the same period last year. And the Road Safety Authority is warning that up, to one hundred and sixty eight (168) lives will be lost on Irish roads this year, if current trends continue.

Michelle Yeoh said road safety is an issue that often flies under the radar, but she warned “its impact is staggering”.

Out words: each year

Dur: 00:26

EU Ministers debate recognition of 3 additional Spanish languages – Burke

EU Ministers in Brussels have been discussing requests by Spain to make Catalan, Basque and Galician official EU languages.  

The Spanish government formally requested the EU to officially recognise the three languages, in August. And that request was considered today by the EU General Affairs Council which has been meeting in Brussels. Ireland’s EU Minister Peter Burke, who attended today’s meeting, said Ireland is in favour of “linguistic pluralism”. But he said more time is needed to evaluate the request.

Out words: budgetary measures

Dur:  00:21

Ukraine making “achievements” on EU membership – Burke

EU Minister Peter Burke says it’s “incredible” to see the progress Ukraine is making on its work to become an EU member state. He made the comments following a breakfast meeting between EU ministers and Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration in Brussels this morning.

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 by unanimous agreement between the leaders of all EU member states. That candidate status was granted on the understanding that Ukraine takes key steps required to join the bloc. The European Commission is monitoring that progress.  

Minister Burke is attending an EU General Affairs council meeting today in the Belgian capital.

Out words: that progression

Dur: 00:29

 

 

 

Extension of protection to Ukrainians in EU proposed - VDL

The European Commission today recommended an extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians who’ve sought refuge in the bloc. The President of the Commission,  Ursula von der Leyen proposed the extension during her State of the Union address in the European Parliament this morning. She told MEPs, the EU will be at Ukraine’s side “every step of the way for as long as it takes”. And she said, since the start of the war, four million Ukrainians have found refuge in the bloc.  

Out words: will endure

Dur: 00:33

EU chief calls for new “global framework” to control Artificial Intelligence

The President of the European Commission is calling for a new “global framework” to control the development of artificial intelligence. Ursula von der Leyen wants to set up a global panel of experts who can provide knowledge on the risks and benefits of AI including its impact on society.

President von der Leyen made the recommendations during her annual state of the union address in the European Parliament this morning. She told MEPs, artificial intelligence can improve healthcare, boost productivity and address climate change. But she warned, we should “not underestimate the very real threats” AI poses to the world.

Out words: technology responsibly

Dur: 00:47

 

EU boss calls for further EU enlargement to over 30

The President of the European Commission has called for a further enlargement of the European Union with membership of thirty plus countries.

Ursula von der Leyen made the call this morning during her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She told MEPs the EU cannot afford to leave “our fellow Europeans behind”. And she said it was clearly in Europe’s “strategic interest” to complete what she called “our union”.  

Out words: member states

Dur: 00:55

Von der Leyen to make critical address to MEPs Wednesday morning

The President of the European Commission will make her final State of the Union address (on Wednesday morning) before next year’s EU elections.

Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the annual speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She’s expected to touch on some of the key priorities and issues dominating EU politics right now. The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, outlines some of the topics she’s likely to focus on during her address.

Out words: of that

Dur: 00:56

Von der Leyen State of the Union address Wednesday

The President of the European Commission will tomorrow (Wednesday) deliver the annual State of the Union address in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

It will be Ursula von der Leyen’s final State of the Union speech before next year’s European Parliament elections. She’s expected to touch on some of the key priorities and issues dominating EU politics right now including the war on Ukraine, energy security, migration and the impact of climate change.

The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan explains the significance of the speech.

Out words: next year

Dur: 00:28

EU Ombudsman warns of “corrosive impact” of revolving door phenomenon in EU

The EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has warned of the damaging impact of the so-called revolving door phenomenon in the EU. That’s the potential conflict of interest that can arise when EU Commissioners, politicians and officials leave their jobs for lucrative positions in the private sector.

Emily O’Reilly was speaking this morning in Brussels during a debate on ethics in the EU. She referred to the “corrosive impact” this form of “soft corruption” has on our democracies and regulatory outcomes. Ms O’Reilly cited Europe’s dependency on Russian gas as an example of the revolving doors phenomena.  

Out words: a result

Dur: 00:40