EU News Radio

Great concern moving towards Muslim-Christian conflict – Borrell

The EU’s foreign policy chief this morning said the Palestinian people and inhabitants of Gaza, cannot be made responsible for what he called the “terrorist actions” of Hamas. Josep Borrell was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

He condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel, but he said the strikes on civilian victims in Gaza should also be condemned. Mr Borrell said, while Israel has the right to defend itself when attacked, such a defence has limits which are marked by international humanitarian law.

He also warned, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has the potential to spark wider aggression between Muslims and Christians. (The following clip of Mr Borrell is translated by an interpreter.)

Out words: towards Lebanon

Dur: 00:36

Von der Leyen defends stance on Israel

EU boss Ursula von der Leyen this morning said Europe stands with Israel in this dark moment. She was speaking in the European Parliament during a debate on the recent Hamas attacks on Israelis.

President von der Leyen was strongly criticised for not calling on Israel to conform with international law in its response to the attacks, during her recent visit there. She told MEPs “only if we acknowledge Israel’s pain and its right to defend itself, will we have the credibility to say that Israel should react as a democracy in line with international humanitarian law.”

Out words: Jewish life

Dur: 00:38

No excuse for hitting Gaza hospital full of civilians – von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission this morning condemned last night’s attacks on a hospital in Gaza which has claimed hundreds of lives. Israelis and Palestinians are blaming each other for the bombings. Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament, all the facts need to be established and those responsible must be held accountable.

Out words: this war

Dur: 00:45

Israel has right to self-defence in line with International law – Von Der Leyen

The President of the European Commission this morning said it was important to pass a message of solidarity in person in Israel just days after the Hamas attack on the Israeli people. Ursula von der Leyen was speaking in the European Parliament during a debate on the Hamas atrocities against Israel. She was strongly criticised for not calling on Israel to conform with international law in its response to the attacks during her recent visit.  

This morning President von der Leyen condemned last night’s deadly Gaza hospital blast that has claimed hundreds of lives. Israelis and Palestinians are blaming each other for the bombings. President von der Leyen told MEPs, Hamas terror has plunged Israel and Palestine into a new spiral of violence.

Out words: Palestinian people

Dur: 00:26

Sanctions on Russia having “strong impact” – EC Reynders

EU sanctions on Russia are having a “strong impact” on the Russian economy. That’s according to the European Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. He was speaking in the European Parliament this morning during a debate on the effectiveness of the sanctions.

It’s now six hundred days since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, the EU has imposed eleven packages of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy and political elites. Critics say Moscow has been able to bypass the sanctions through loopholes in trade restrictions and with the help of third-country intermediaries. However, Commissioner Reynders this morning stressed they were effective.   

Out words: military spending

Dur: 00:19

 

Middle East conflict could have “major security consequences” - EU Michel

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict could have “major security consequences” for societies with the potential to worsen tensions between communities and to feed extremism. That’s according to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.  

He was speaking this morning ahead of an Extraordinary European Council meeting tomorrow to discuss the Middle East conflict. Leaders are expected to address a range of issues. They include providing humanitarian assistance and avoiding a regional escalation of the conflict and any breaches of humanitarian law. Mr Michel strongly condemned Hamas for what he called its “brutal terrorist attacks” against Israel and its people.

Out words: humanitarian law

Dur: 00:20

 

Polio eradication reaching final mile – von der Leyen

The EU has announced new cash to try to fully eradicate polio around the world. A €500 million fund, with money from the EU together with international foundations, will be used to vaccinate an estimated 370 million children per year. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen says with a sustained inoculation campaign, the disease will be completely eliminated.

 

Out words: Face of earth

Dur: 0’21”

Israel breaking international law - Borrell

Israel is breaking international law in its counter-offense against Hamas – that’s the warning from the EU. Water and electricity supplies to Gaza have been cut by the Israelis. The EU is deeply concerned that the civilian population is being caught up in the situation. Josep Borrell said this evening that although Israel has the right to defend itself, it must abide by humanitarian international law.

 

Out words: Not the case

Dur: 0’22”

EU urges violence in Israel to stop

The EU has urged violence in Israel to stop and for all sides to protect civilians. EU ministers have been meeting with their Gulf counterparts in Oman. The reaction of neighbouring countries is seen as important in trying to avoid the conflict in Israel spreading across the region. This lunchtime - following the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting - the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, called for calm.

 

Out words: The only solution
Dur: 1’31”

EU to review Palestinian funding

The EU is to review its support for Palestine in light of events still unfolding in Israel. Since 2000, the EU has provided €700 million of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. EU foreign minister will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the attacks on Israel, and its response. European Commission spokesperson, Ana Pisonero, said support for Palestine will be reviewed, but she insisted the EU does not fund Hamas.

Out words: Terrorist organisation activities
Dur: 0’25”