EU News Radio

EMI warns of risks of disinformation on EU/Irish elections – O’Connell

People are being warned to be wary of online information when it comes to the various elections that will be held in Ireland and the EU this year. Voters will get to cast their ballots on referendums in March and local and European elections in June.

The CEO of European Movement Ireland, Noelle O’Connell says “we really need to mitigate against the risks” of disinformation and misinformation.

Out word: educated manner

Dur: 00:28

People urged to register to vote for Irish & June elections – EMI O’Connell

European Movement Ireland is urging people to ensure they’re registered to vote in this year’s European and Irish referendums and local elections.

EMI’s CEO Noelle O’Connell says people have a responsibility to participate in the democratic process. She’s calling on voters to ensure they turn out to cast their ballots to help shape the kind of country and European Union they want to live in.  

Out words: taking place

Dur: 00:16

2024 will be “Democracy’s Superbowl” – O’Connell EMI

This year will see some of the world’s most important elections taking place with over forty percent (40%) of the global population entitled to cast their ballots.

That’s according to Noelle O’Connell,  CEO of European Movement Ireland. This year’s elections include those for the European Parliament which will take place in early June.

Noelle O’Connell says 2024 will be a “bumper packed year for elections”.

Out words: European Parliament elections

Dur: 00:26

Housing & Cost of Living issues of most concern for Ireland – Eurobarometer

Housing and the cost of living rank the issues of most concern for Irish people. That’s according to the Autumn 2023 Eurobarometer Report for Ireland published today by the European Commission. The survey covers the period from October to November.

It found that over half of those surveyed cited housing as a key concern. Rising prices, inflation and the cost of living were the second most important issues of concern.  Helen Kearns, the head of communications at the European Commission’s Representation in Dublin, gave more details about the survey.   

Out words: highlighted

Dur: 00:13

 

 

Irish support for EU remains strong - Eurobarometer Survey

Irish support for the European Union remains strong. And Ireland is more optimistic than any other member state about the future of the EU at eighty three percent (83%). That compares to the EU average of sixty one percent (61%). That’s according to the Autumn 2023 Eurobarometer report for Ireland published today by the European Commission.  

The survey covers the period from October to November. However it does not refer to issues about the Middle East and the Israel-Hamas war. The survey also found that among the Irish public, there is a much higher rate of people who feel well informed about the EU at 62%. That compares to the EU average of just thirty six percent (6%).

Helen Kearns, the head of communications at the European Commission’s Representation in Dublin, gave more details about the survey.   

Out words: twelve months

Dur: 01:07

EU ministers tackle packaging “waste crisis” – Environment Commissioner

The challenge of reducing packaging waste will be tackled today by EU Environment ministers meeting in Brussels. They’re discussing European Commission proposals to make all packaging recyclable by 2030. According to the EU, packaging waste has increased by more than twenty percent (20%) over the last 10 years in the bloc. And it’s forecast to grow by another 19% until 2030. New habits, including on-the-go consumption, increased online sales and home deliveries are contributing to that increase.   

The Commission’s revised proposals on packaging and packaging waste, include banning certain kinds of single-use items such as disposable cups and plates, that are directly consumed inside restaurants and cafés. And they want to end single-use miniature packaging for the likes of hotel toiletries and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The European Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius says the EU needs to deal with its growing “waste crisis”.

Out words: waste crisis

Dur: 00:19

COP28 deal “Global turning point” – von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission has hailed the new COP28 deal on fossil fuels as “historical”. The agreement calls on all countries to transition away from using fossil fuels. However, it doesn’t call for a phasing out of them which critics say weakens the declaration.

Speaking today in the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen said the COP28 deal has the potential to be the beginning of a new “post-fossil era”.

Out words: fossil fuels

Dur: 00:07

Joining EU family will be “Ukraine’s ultimate victory” – Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says Ukraine is making “great strides” to pass the reforms required to join the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning ahead of a two-day summit of EU leaders that starts tomorrow.

They’re due to discuss EU enlargement and whether or not to begin formal accession negotiations with Ukraine. That’s a step recommended by the European Commission. But Hungary is threatening to veto the launch of the talks. President von der Leyen this morning urged the EU to support Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc.

Out words: to play

Dur: 00:21

Sanctions against “extreme terrorist settlers” in West Bank – Martin

Ireland is calling for sanctions to be applied to  “extreme terrorist settlers” who are “terrorising Palestinians” in the West Bank.

Speaking this morning in Brussels, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he will make the call at today’s meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers. He says the constant attacking and displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank undermines the declared policy of the EU which is a two-state solution.

Out words: for that

Dur: 00:30

End Gaza carnage and “slaughter of innocent civilians”– Martin

The Tánaiste Micheál Martin says there must be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. And he says Ireland will be asking for support for the UN Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a humanitarian ceasefire in the region.

Mr Martin was speaking in Brussels this morning, ahead of a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. Ireland has co-signed a letter to the President of the European Council, with Belgium, Spain and Malta, calling for “a lasting humanitarian ceasefire that can lead to an end of hostilities” in Gaza.  

The Tánaiste explained the motivation behind the letter.

Out words: unacceptable scale

Dur: 00:17