EU News Radio

GAA & EU join forces on Europe Day

The GAA and the EU will join forces today to celebrate Europe Day. Ten European GAA clubs will take part in Europe Day with more than two hundred children participating in ‘Go games’ across EU member states. 

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 says the GAA is a “massive success story” in its promotion of Irish games and culture throughout the EU.

Dur: 00:15

Ireland “far behind” in hydrogen development - Galway expert

Ireland is “far behind” in its development of hydrogen energy despite its potential to be “a major producer of green hydrogen”. That’s according to a leading Galway-based energy-expert who’s co.ordinating the Shamrock Hydrogen Valley project. 

Dr Rory Monaghan, a professor in Energy systems at the University of Galway, made the comments at this week’s European Hydrogen Valleys event in Antwerp. It’s the annual gathering of organisations and people that lead and contribute to hydrogen production across Europe. 

Professor Monaghan says the implementation of Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy has been “extremely slow”. 

Dur: 00:38

EU Boss calls for massive hike in electrification

The EU needs to massively increase its production of electricity in order to meet future energy demands and reduce its dependence on outside supplies of oil and gas.

That’s according to EU boss Ursula von der Leyen who was speaking in the European Parliament this morning during a debate on the crisis in the Middle East. MEPs discussed the effects of the war on energy prices and availability of fertilisers. President von der Leyen told the Parliament, this was the moment to “electrify Europe”.

Dur: 00:26

Instagram & Facebook failing to protect kids under 13 – EU

The digital platforms Instagram and Facebook are not doing enough to ensure children under thirteen are not accessing their services. That’s according to preliminary findings from the European Commission which says Meta (which owns the two platforms) is in breach of the Digital Services Act . The Commission says Meta’s current safety measures do not adequately prevent minors under the age of thirteen from accessing their services. And (according to the Commission) they don’t promptly identify and remove children from the platforms if they already gained access.

European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen this morning announced details of the preliminary findings.

Dur: 00:12

EU finds Meta failing to protect minors under 13

The EU has today issued preliminary findings against tech giant Meta for failing to protect minors under thirteen from accessing their services. The Commission says Meta’s Instagram and Facebook platforms are in breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act. The findings say these services are not putting enough measures in place to ensure children under thirteen do not access the platforms.

This morning European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen announced details of the preliminary findings.

Dur: 00:11

EU finally waves through €90bn for Ukraine

A €90 billion loan to keep the lights on in Ukraine has finally been approved by the EU after Hungary dropped its veto. The loan is designed to pay for essential services as well as Ukraine’s military needs for the next two years. The European Union said the funding would ensure Ukraine can continue to be “resilient in the face of ongoing Russian attacks”. The EU also today signed off on a 20th sanction package against Russia. EU27 leaders including the Taoiseach have begun arriving in Cyprus for a summit to discuss pressing international affairs. President Zelenskyy is also there. Speaking at his side a short time ago, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the first tranche of funding could be delivered before the end of this quarter.

 

Out words: For Ukraine

Dur: 0’16”

Jørgensen: Energy crisis ‘bad’ even if peace tomorrow

Europe is facing a serious crisis that will last months and could stretch into years, the EU’s Energy Commissioner has warned. The European Commission has today unveiled a raft of new measures which it says are designed to try to protect households and businesses from price shocks and to be better prepared in light of the war in the Middle East. The plans include allowing member states, including Ireland, to use public money more flexibly without breaking EU state aid rules, and the setting up of a Fuel Observatory to track EU production and stock levels of jet fuel. European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, said it was about more than dealing with the current high prices. 

 

Out words: In the future

Dur: 0’23”

McEntee urges EU to suspend Israel deal

Helen McEntee will today call for the EU to suspend its agreement – including trade – with Israel. Minister McEntee is in Luxembourg for a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers where the situation in the Middle East is on the agenda. Over the weekend, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia penned a joint letter urging EU action in light of Israel’s military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon. Speaking in Luxembourg this morning, Helen McEntee said it was time the EU put real pressure on Israel by suspending its Association Agreement.

 

Out words: Their obligations too

Dur: 0’56”

EU’s McGrath to talk online regs with US tech bosses

Ireland’s EU Commissioner will discuss how to better protect consumers and children online when he meets US tech bosses during a trip to California this week. Michael McGrath says he will brief them on EU plans to improve protection for consumers with a particular focus on vulnerable minors and children.

Dur: 00:24

 

 

 

Hungary elections opportunity “to turn the page” - McGrath

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath says the recent elections in Hungary show its people want the country to have “a better relationship” with the EU. And he says, he’s hoping the incoming new government of Péter Magyar, will “work cooperatively” with the EU to address Rule of Law issues. 

Hungary has been denied extensive EU funding over recent years because of rule of law breaches. 

Dur: 00:11