EU News Radio

“Bring everyone together” Irish objective on EU budget - Byrne

Ireland will have to be an “honest broker” when it comes to overseeing negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget known as the multi-annual financial framework or MFF. So says Minister Thomas Byrne who was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of an EU General Affairs council. 

Negotiations on the MFF for 2028-2034, will intensify during Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency. Some net contributing countries are strongly resisting increases in the MFF while net recipient states are arguing for more spending. Minister Byrne says Ireland’s objective will be to “bring everyone together” once its EU Presidency begins in July. 

Dur: 00:11

Ireland to be “honest broker” on EU long-term budget - Byrne

Ireland will need to take a neutral position when it oversees discussions on the EU’s long-term budget during its upcoming EU presidency. That’s according to Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence. He was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of an EU General Affairs council. 

The EU’s multi-annual financial framework for twenty twenty eight to twenty thirty four (2028 to 2034) is on the agenda. Some net contributing countries are strongly resisting increases in the MFF. Here’s Minister Byrne 

Dur: 00:16

McGrath welcomes victims support law

Ireland’s European Commissioner, Michael McGrath, has welcomed a new law to give more support to victims of crime across the EU. The European Parliament is expected to vote through the law this lunchtime. The law will see a Europe-wide victims' support helpline - 116 006 – set up. There is a promise of improved access to legal aid and compensation, and digital policing allowing victims to report crimes online. European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, says it is about putting victims first.

 

Out words: Justice system

Dur: 0’22”

EU negotiators reach deal on US tariffs

EU negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on implementing a tariff deal with the United States. Under the deal - which still needs a final vote in the European Parliament and from ministers - the EU will allow most US industrial goods to be imported with zero tariffs. In return, Trump agreed to a maximum 15 percent tariff on all EU goods exported to the US. Under the provisional deal reached overnight in Strasbourg, the European Commission will be able to suspend the agreement if the US President doesn’t keep his word on the 15 percent ceiling. European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, said it showed the EU was serious about getting the agreement in place as soon as possible.

 

Out words: Both sides

Dur: 0’22”

EU support as fertiliser prices soar

The European Commission has announced help for farmers struggling to pay for fertilisers with prices, in some cases, up 70 percent compared to two years ago. Speaking in the European Parliament a short time ago, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, said there will be short term emergency support for farmers and more flexibility with Common Agricultural Policy payments. And in the long term, he wants to a shift to more environmentally friendly fertilisers that are not reliant on fossil fuel imports from the Middle East.

 

Out words: Nutrient management

Dur: 0’58”

Proposals for combined ticket from Ireland to Europe

Passengers will be able to travel from Ireland to Europe on a single ticket under plans put forward by the European Commission. Under the proposals published this morning, operators will be able to offer tickets combining different operators including rail, coach and ferry. In case of delays passengers will be entitled to compensation. The major rail operators on the continent like SNCF and Deutsche Bahn will also have to show timetables and fares from their rivals on their websites and apps. The proposals must be scrutinised and approved by ministers and the European Parliament before becoming law. European Commission for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said it will make travel easier and lead to lower prices.

 

Out words:

Dur: 0’23”

EU pushing back against tech giants, says von der Leyen

Legislation for an EU-wide social media age ban could be published within months, the president of the European Commission has suggested. A group of experts is due to report back on their advice to the EU before the summer. One option would be to follow Australia’s example. Speaking at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen this morning, Ursula von der Leyen said that a so-called “social media delay” should be considered. But she said that the EU is meanwhile already working hard to protect children online.

 

Out words: Not the tech companies

Dur: 0’23”

Will EU sanction violent settlers?

The EU looks set to finally impose sanctions on Israeli settlers committing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The sanctions have been blocked by Hungary, but with Viktor Orban out of power, EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels today are expected to give their unanimous consent. Speaking from Brussels this morning, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, said the European Union needs to take action to uphold international law including by suspending the EU-Israel trade deal.

 

Out words: Member states lie today

Dur: 0’55”

Europeans celebrate Europe Day across the bloc

Europeans will celebrate Europe Day today with a series of events across the bloc including Ireland. Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the annual event. The idea is to celebrate the peace and unity of Europe and to commemorate the nineteen fifty (1950) Schuman Declaration which proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. 

Peter Power, head of the European Commission in Ireland says Europe Day is a celebration of ‘togetherness and inclusion”. And it comes just ahead of Ireland’s EU presidency. 

Dur: 00:20

Irish culture huge part of Europe Day celebrations - EU

The GAA will play a big part today in celebrating Europe Day across the bloc. That’s according to the European Commission in Ireland which has teamed up with the GAA to promote a Europe-wide celebration of sport, culture and community.

European GAA clubs will take part in ‘Go games’ across EU member states with more than two hundred children participating in them. And in Dublin, a special event will feature Na Gaeil Nua - the New Gaels GAA. It’s Ireland’s first explicitly international and migrant-inclusive GAA team. That will take place in Fairview Park from 10.30am to 1.30pm. 

Peter Power, head of the European Commission in Ireland explains the significance of the GAA being involved in Europe Day celebrations. 

Dur: 00:13