EU News Radio

“Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” – VDL

EU Boss Ursula von der Leyen says the 28-point US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine will be discussed with EU and other leaders. But she did not comment on the substance of the plan itself. Speaking in Johannesburg this morning, President von der Leyen told reporters the EU has been working intensely with President Zelensky and the Coalition of the Willing “for a just and a lasting peace” which she said is an on-going process.   

Dur: 00:23

EU announces rapid military mobility plan

The EU has announced plans to beef up European defence by pooling resources, upgrading infrastructure and developing new technology in light of what it sees as growing threats to European security. It comes as a Russian spy ship has been spotted close to Scotland. The British Ministry of Defence says the vessel is being used to gather intelligence and map undersea cables. Under plans announced by the European Commission, ports and airports as well as road and rail links will be upgraded to ensure military convoys can be moved quickly from one side of the continent to the other in case of an attack. The EU’s transport commissioner,  Apostolos Tzitzikostas, says it is about preparing the European Union for anything.

 

SHORT OUT

Out words: It is now

Dur: 0’18”

 

LONG PLAY

Out words: And quickly

Dur: 0’45”

Europe needs to entice AI innovation - Virkkunen

Europe is too dependent on foreign companies running tech and AI firms, the European Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty has warned. Ireland in particular has become a hub for tech firms, but most of them are US brands. The EU has already put in place a raft of new laws to regulate the tech sector. Speaking at the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, Henna Virkkunen, said the next step was to invest and enable home-grown firms to flourish.

 

Out words: Innovation building

Dur: 0’19”

McGrath: Democracy Shield for free and fair elections

Michael McGrath is launching the European Democracy Shield today – his flagship policy designed to protect the democratic process from attack. Disinformation, deep fakes and foreign interference are amongst the methods being used to try to undermine elections throughout Europe, according to the European Commission. The EU’s response is being led by European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath. He says the shield will work to detect and protect Europe and ensure free and fair elections here and throughout the European Union.

 

Out words: Their democracy

Dur: 0’22”

Ireland ‘at risk of migratory pressure’, warns EU

The number of migrants arriving in Ireland is putting the national asylum and reception system under strain, the European Commission has warned. For the first time, under the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the European Commission has calculated the level of migration in each EU member state. Italy, Greece and Spain under the most pressure and will be able to call on other member states to help them. Ireland is one of 12 countries in the second category - judged to be 'at risk' if the number of migrants suddenly increases further. The EU said Ireland was under strain from a “high number” of people asking for international protection. It also said there was a “significant proportion” of migrants arriving illegally from the UK. As a member state classed ‘at risk’, Ireland can apply for extra EU funds and ask for help from EU agencies. The European Commission for Migration, Magnus Brunner, said the new system is about getting a clear picture of the current situation and sharing the burden across the European Union.

 

Out words: On their own

Dur: 0’22”

McGrath to announce EU centre to ‘detect and respond’ to disinformation

Michael McGrath will announce a new unit dedicated to detecting and responding to the threat of foreign interference. The European Commissioner has been speaking in Brussels ahead of the launch of the European Democracy Shield which is expected to be given the go-ahead on Wednesday. At its heart, the Democracy Shield will see the setting up of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience as Michael McGrath explains.

 

Out words: Democratic system

Dur: 0’21”

Shein sex dolls ‘deeply disturbing’ - McGrath

The EU will take action against platforms selling illegal products to Europe, the European Commission for Consumer Protection says. Michael McGrath has just returned from China where he raised concerns about unsafe and illegal products being sold on Chinese platforms to consumers in Europe. More than 12 million low-value parcels from China are delivered to the EU every day. The sheer quantity is overwhelming customs authorities. During his trip, it emerged that the online shopping platform, Shein, was reportedly selling sex dolls with child-like features. Shein says it had now ensured the dolls have been removed from sale. But Michael McGrath is concerned that it is part of a wider problem.

 

LONG CLIP

Out words: At our disposal

Dur: 0’52”

Shadow fleet drone attacks possible – Kubilius

Russia could use its shadow fleet as launching pads for drone attacks anywhere in Europe, the EU’s Defence Commissioner has warned. Suspicious drone activity has been sighted over Munich, Copenhagen and Brussels in recent weeks. Russian vessels are thought to have passed through Irish waters hundreds of times this year. Speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels this morning, the European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, said Europe needs to prepare against drone provocations.

 

Out words: Ready everywhere

Dur: 0’20”

EU ministers agree ‘Paris-proof’ climate target

EU environment ministers have agreed a new climate target for 2040 after talks that lasted through the night. A majority of EU member states voted in favour of cutting greenhouse emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2040. But NGOs have criticised the deal which allows for five percent of the cut to be out-sourced to other parts of the world, effectively paying other countries to make emission cuts on Europe’s behalf. Ministers were also unable to agree a 2035 target – the so-called NDC or National Determined Contribution - which must be presented to the UN ahead of the COP climate change conference. Instead, the EU will aim to reduce emissions ‘in the range of’ 66 to 72.5 percent over the next ten years. But the EU’s Climate Commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, defended the deal which he says is both ambitious and pragmatic.

 

EARLY OUT

Out words: We reduce emissions

Dur: 0’24”

 

LONG PLAY

Out words: Of the game

Dur: 0’45”

Digital Euro will not replace cash - Dombrovskis

The digital Euro will not replace cash, the EU’s Economy Commissioner has insisted. It comes as the European Central Bank has completed its preparation phase for the digital currency, potentially clearing the way for politicians to start to legislate for it. The idea is that the digital Euro will be available both on and offline to pay for goods and services. Like using cash, the ECB says digital Euro payments will not be tracked. Responding to fears that the digital Euro could take over, the EU’s Economy Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, said that cash will remain available for physical payments anywhere in the Euro area.

 

Out words: Status of cash

Dur: 0’19”