EU News Radio

EU urges Ireland to complete reform of Defamation Act

The EU is urging Ireland to complete its reform of the Defamation act to improve the professional environment for journalists. The recommendation is included in the EU’s annual Rule of Law Report published today. 

Speaking at its launch in Brussels this morning, the European Commission vice-president Vera Jourova said the protection of journalists is of utmost importance. 

Out words: some countries 

Dur: 00:28

EU funding to tackle road safety & congestion

Ireland will be part of an EU funded project to help improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion and emissions. Funds for the multi-country project will come from the Connecting Europe Facility. It’s the EU’s programme for investment in strategic transport infrastructure. 

Herald Ruijters is the Deputy Director General of the EU Department for Mobility and Transport. He says the project involves the deployment of travel information services to increase road safety and road management efficiency. 

Out words: and improve 

Dur: 00:16

Cork port wins EU€38m for Ringaskiddy upgrade

Cork port will receive over thirty eight million euro (€38m) in EU funding for a Phase 2 redevelopment of Ringaskiddy Port. The grant will come from the Connecting Europe Facility which is the EU’s programme for Investment in Transport and Infrastructure. Dublin Port will also receive funding for further development. 

Herald Ruijters is the Deputy Director General of the EU Department for Mobility and Transport. He explained more about the funding for the Port of Cork company. 

Out words: the island 

Dur: 00:29 

Cork & Dublin ports to receive multi-million EU grants

Cork and Dublin ports have won multi-million euro grants in EU funding for further development. The grants will come from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility which is the bloc's programme for investment in transport infrastructure. 

Herald Ruijters is the Deputy Director General of the EU Department for Mobility and Transport. He explained more about the grants awarded to Dublin and Cork Ports. 

Out words: of Cork 

Dur: 00:35 

Ireland cutting “red tape” & upping green & digital skills - Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission today praised Ireland for making reforms that are helping businesses, and increasing digital and green skills and taking climate action. 

Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a video address when announcing news of the EU releasing three hundred and twenty four million euro (€324m) to Ireland in grants. It’s a first payment under the bloc’s Recovery and Resilience facility (RRF). It was set up to support Europe’s economic recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic and to help make EU economies greener, digital and more resilient. 

Out words: your side 

Dur: 00:56

EU releases €324m to Ireland - Von der Leyen

The EU today released three hundred and twenty four million euro (€324m) to Ireland in grants as a first payment under the bloc’s Recovery and Resilience facility (RRF). The RRF was set up to support Europe’s economic recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic and to help make EU economies greener, digital and more resilient.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced news of the payment which she said will be for railways, clean tech and digitising schools.

Out words: the rise 

Dur: 00:15

EU imposes tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles

The European Commission today imposed provisional tariffs on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles to the EU. The Commission says it’s imposing the provisional tariffs because China is benefiting from unfair subsidies that are threatening European producers of BEVs (battery electric vehicles). Speaking in Brussels this morning, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the move follows a nine-month investigation.   

Out words: in Europe

Dur: 00:15

 

 

von der Leyen wins over EU leaders for second term

Ursula von der Leyen will go forward for a second term as president of the European Commission. The prime minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, has been put forward as the next EU foreign affairs chief. Meanwhile the former prime minister of Portugal, António Costa, will become president of the European Council. EU leaders spent around an hour considering and voting on the package of top jobs. Ursula von der Leyen now needs to win the approval of a majority in the European Parliament to be confirmed in the post. Speaking at a press conference in the early hours of Friday morning, Ms von der Leyen thanked leaders for their endorsement.

 

Out words: the way forward

Dur: 00’20”

Europe is failing Gaza - Taoiseach

The European Union has failed to put enough pressure to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, says the Taoiseach. Simon Harris has arrived in Brussels for an important EU summit this afternoon. Leaders will debate the situation in the Middle East as Israel continues its war in Gaza. Speaking in Brussels, Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said he believes the EU can do more to bring about peace, and should back the verdict of the International Criminal Court.

Out words: Makes an order

Dur: 00’19”

Europe must hold fast to values - Tánaiste

The success of far right and populist parties in Europe must not undermine EU values of rule of law and human rights – that’s according to the Tánaiste. Extremist parties made significant gains in the European elections, particularly in France, Germany and Italy. Speaking at a meeting of European foreign ministers in Luxembourg this morning, Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, warned that the EU must not ignore the signs and should hold strong to core values.

Out words: Maintain those values

Dur: 00’27”