EU News Radio

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

 

 

 

“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”