EU News Radio

“Huge risk of terrorist attacks” in EU – EC Johansson

The war between Israel and Hamas means there is a “huge risk of terrorist attacks” in the EU. That’s according to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Ylva Johansson was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of a meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers. She said the risk of terrorism in Europe will be discussed at today’s meeting today.

Out words: this situation

Dur: 00:37

Global alliance against migrant smuggling - von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission has called for a “global alliance” against migrant smuggling. A major conference on the issue is taking place today in Brussels with delegates representing 57 countries. According to latest stats from the EU’s border agency, Frontex, there have been more than 140,000 illegal border crossings in the central Mediterranean so far this year, up two-thirds on 2022. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the EU is reaching out to governments beyond Europe to try and get a grip on the issue.

 

Out words: Smuggling routes

Dur: 0’40”

Israel view on Ireland “unfair”– Coveney

Minister Simon Coveney says there’s a view in Israel that Ireland has taken “a very strong position” on “one side of the argument”. He believes that may have triggered the strong response over the weekend from the Israeli foreign minister.

Eli Cohen condemned the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar over his remarks about the release of the Irish-Israeli girl, Emily Hand. In a statement the Taoiseach referred to Emily as an innocent child who was lost and has now been found and returned. The remarks sparked outrage in Tel Aviv with Minister Cohen accusing the Taoiseach of “losing his moral compass”.

This morning in Brussels (where he’s attending an EU Trade Ministers meeting) Simon Coveney said he’s hoping the dispute can be “settled” quickly when the Irish Ambassador has the opportunity to visit the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Out words: on that  

Dur: 00:40

Nitrate reduction to go ahead – Commissioner Sinkevičius

Ireland must cut its nitrate levels on schedule, says the EU’s environment commissioner. Virginijus Sinkevičius met with the Taoiseach in Dublin earlier. The EU has demanded Ireland reduce its nitrate emissions at hot spots from 250kg to 220kg per hectare from 2024. A report by the Environment Protection Agency concluded nitrate levels were too high in many of Ireland’s rivers and lakes. Farmers warn cutting the use of nitrates will mean culling animals. But speaking in Dublin a short time ago, the Environment Commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said better water quality is in everyone’s interest.

 

Out words: Whole of Ireland

Dur: 0’16”

Businesses struggling to find workers – Minister Harris

Businesses across Ireland are struggling to find the workers they need, that’s according to the further education minister. A new survey by the EU’s agency on working conditions, Eurofound, suggests that finding employees with the right skills is the biggest problem for Irish companies. Minister, Simon Harris, has been speaking about the issue at the European Commission’s office in Dublin this morning. He said upskilling Ireland's labour force is essential.

 

Out words: That mine had 

Dur: 0’42”

“No evidence” EU funding Hamas

A review of EU funding to Gaza has found “no evidence” money is going to Hamas, the European Commission says. Following the attacks on 7 October, the EU has carried out checks on 119 contracts in Palestine worth more than €330 million. Hamas is listed as a prescribed terrorist organisation by the European Union. Two projects are being investigated for possible allegations of "incitement, glorification of terrorism and hate speech". But European Commission Executive Vice President, Valdis Dombrovskis, says no EU money is going to Hamas.

 

Out words: Without payment delays

Dur: 0’16”

Ireland’s GDP to decline in 2023 according to EU

Following strong growth last year, Ireland's GDP is expected to decline this year by 0.9%.  That’s  according to the European Commission’s Autumn 2023 Economic Forecast  released today. It’s attributing the estimated decline to developments in “multinational-dominated sectors and normalising domestic demand”.

However the Commission is forecasting Irish GDP to increase to 3.0% next year and 3.4% in 2025. The figures are also showing a fall in consumer price inflation from a peak of 8.1% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2025. And the government budget surplus is projected to shrink in 2023 and 2024, before rebounding at around 1% of GDP in 2025.

Speaking this morning the European Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni explained why the Commission’s forecasts for Ireland differ from official figures in Ireland.  

Out words: the difference

Dur: 00:33

Good news for consumers with falling inflation projected - Gentiloni

There’s some good news today for consumers with economic forecasts showing falling inflation in Ireland and the rest of the euro area. The European Commission today presented its Autumn 2023 economic forecast.

Its figures for Ireland show inflation reducing from a high of 8.1% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2025. Speaking this morning, the European Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni outlined the inflation forecasts for the euro area.

Out words: mid 2021

Dur: 00:37 

EU trying to tackle Russian propaganda & disinformation – EC Nolan

Fears that Russia will interfere in next year’s European elections with a campaign of propaganda and disinformation were discussed today at a European Commission event in Dublin. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, (Larysa Gerasko) who spoke at the event, said Russia is one of the world’s most prolific producers of disinformation.

The head of the Commission’s representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, outlined how the EU is trying to tackle online Russian propaganda with the EU’s Digital Services Act and its Code of Practice on Disinformation. She gave examples of previous Russian interference in elections in the UK.  

Out words: our radar

Dur: 00:53

Fears of Russian propaganda in European elections – Ukrainian Ambassador

Russia is one of the world’s most prolific producers of disinformation. And its consistent manipulation of the truth makes it challenging for the public to discern fact from faction.  That’s according to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko. She was speaking this morning at a European Commission event in Dublin on how Russian propaganda and disinformation is affecting our societies.  

There are many concerns Russia will use propaganda tools to interfere in next year’s European elections. Ambassador Gerasko says Russia creates a climate where the truth becomes increasing illusive.

Out words: electoral process

Dur: 00:22