EU News Radio

EU to raise “grave concerns” with Israel - Martin

EU foreign ministers want to convene a meeting of the EU-Israeli Association Council to seek a response from Israel regarding provisional orders by the International Court of Justice. That’s according to Micheál Martin who was speaking in Brussels today.

Last week the ICJ ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. And it reiterated calls on Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza. Last night Israel struck a refugee camp in Rafah that reportedly left dozens dead.  Mr Martin described the attack as “barbaric”.

Out words: safe zone

Dur: 00:20

“Very clear” EU Consensus on Israel heeding ICJ ruling – Martin

The Tánaiste says there’s “very clear” consensus at an EU level that Israel needs to adhere to recent orders by the International Court of Justice. Last week the ICJ ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. And it reiterated calls on Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Micheál Martin was speaking in Brussels following a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Out words: in Rafah

Dur: 00:28

Farming crisis in Brussels spotlight – McConalogue

The current crisis in the agriculture sector was in the spotlight in Brussels again today during an EU Agriculture and Fisheries ministerial meeting. Minister Charlie McConalogue said particular attention was given to the importance of how the EU can assist farmers in difficult times.  
 
Out words: within Ireland
Dur:  00:12

von der Leyen promises ‘strong Europe’

The incumbent president of the European Commission has promised a ‘strong Europe’ if she is given another five years in the job. Ursula von der Leyen took part in a televised debate up against four other candidates this afternoon. Since the start of the campaign she said she has been to nearly a dozen EU countries gathering opinions. She says can deliver what people want.

 

Out words: for our security

Dur: 0’21”

Socialists pitch “good jobs” for young people

The green transition must not come at the price of good jobs – that’s according to the European Socialists. In a debate between lead candidates for the European Commission presidency and the Euro elections, the centre-left focused their pitch on jobs. Nicolas Schmit for the Party of European Socialists said that young people want a greener future, but they also want good and secure jobs.

 

Out words: precarious jobs

Dur: 0’15”

Greens call for farm subsidy reform

The Greens candidate for European Commission president has called for an overhaul of EU farm subsides. The current Common Agricultural Policy has a budget of €387 billion until 2027 and yet many farmers are struggling. Speaking in a debate between the lead candidates in the European elections, the Greens’ Terry Reintke says it is clear the system needs to change for the sake of the environment and for farmers’ livelihoods.

 

Out words: this transformation

Dur: 0’20”

Liberals demand €100bn for defence and culture

The liberal candidate for European Commission presidency says the EU needs to spend €100 billion on defence. With the war in Ukraine continuing, security and defence is seen as one of the key topics for the European elections. Fianna Fáil currently sits in the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. Renew’s candidate for European Commission president, Sandro Gozi, says his party has a plan to massively beef up defence spending.  

 

Out words: and knowledge

Dur: 0’22”

Baier calls for disarmament and peace

The European Commission candidate for the Left has called for “disarmament and peace” in a key leadership debate. Five political groups from across the spectrum have put forward lead candidates, including the incumbent, Ursula von der Leyen. The televised debate was streamed live across Europe this afternoon. Defence is seen as one of the key topics in the forthcoming European elections. The group which currently includes Sinn Fein and Independents for Change is known as the Party of the European Left. Speaking in the debate, the European Left’s lead candidate, Walter Baier, said rather than more military spending, the EU should push for peace.

 

Out words: Stability in Europe

Dur: 0’20”

Covid led to stronger European Health Union - EU

 

The Covid Pandemic changed the way the EU works and cooperates in the area of health. That’s according to the European Commission which today outlined the developments made in EU health policy over the last four years.

Speaking today in Brussels, the Commissioner for Health and Food safety, Stella Kyriakides said the unity and solidarity that emerged as a result of the pandemic, has led to the creation of a strong European Health Union.

Out words: true solidarity 

Dur: 00:19

EU’s Covid vaccine strategy saved “millions of lives”

The EU’s Covid-19 vaccine strategy helped stem the spread of the deadly virus and save millions of lives. That’s according to the European Commission which today outlined the developments made in EU health policy over the last four years. The Commission says the pandemic showed what EU solidarity, collaboration and decisive action can achieve.

Speaking today in Brussels, the EU’s vice-president Margaritas Schinas said that when the pandemic hit, the EU had to deliver “swift and effective solutions” for its citizens.

Out words: health matters 

Dur: 00:17