EU News Radio

New EU standard to fight greenwashing in bond markets – McGuinness

A new voluntary EU standard for the use of European Green Bond labels should prevent greenwashing and enable sustainable investments. That’s according to EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. She was speaking today in the European Parliament which is set to approve the new standard. 

The new regulation lays down uniform requirements for issuers of bonds that wish to use the designation ‘European green bond’ for their environmentally sustainable bonds. The aim is to prevent firms from presenting themselves as more environmentally friendly than they really are, a practice known as greenwashing.

Commissioner McGuinness today outlined the benefits of the new standard to MEPs.

Out words: fighting greenwashing

Dur: 00:15

Clock ticking on asylum and migration deal – EU Commission

The European Commission this morning called for a speedy adoption of a comprehensive European pact on asylum and migration. EU Commissioner Margaritis Schinas pleaded with MEPs to finalise agreement with EU countries on a range of new rules on how migrants and asylum seekers should be treated when they arrive on EU shores.  

MEPs and member states have been locked in negotiations to strike a deal on the pact which was originally proposed by the European Commission in 2020. Commissioner Schinas told MEPs, the EU must now put in place a common European migration and asylum system before time runs out.

Out words: to Europe

Dur: 00:47

“No food security without our farmers” – ŠEFČOVIČ

One of the most senior EU Commissioners says he wants to "strengthen" talks with farmers and foresters who are “essential partners” in the green transition. Maros Sefcovic made the comments this morning during his appearance before MEPs in the European Parliament. He was participating in a confirmation hearing to take over responsibility for the EU’s Green Deal.

Mr Sefcovic  was nominated for the Green Deal job after the previous Environment Commissioner Frans Timmermans, left to run in Dutch elections in November. The Slovak Commissioner is already an executive vice-president of the European Commission.

Out words: for farmers

Dur: 00:16

Commissioner optimistic for migration deal

The EU is “optimistic” ministers will reach a decision today on the final part of the new migration system. The so-called crisis mechanism would kick in if there is a mass influxes of new arrivals. Member states have been arguing for years about when and how migrants should be redistributed across Europe. Speaking in Brussels this morning, the EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson, said she believes a deal is close. 

Out words: Crisis proposals
Dur: 0’22”

Green Deal “has delivered” – von der Leyen

The European Union’s flagship environmental policies have delivered results – that’s according to the President of the European Commission. The EU’s Green Deal aims to cut emissions and improve the environment in exchange for billions of Euro of investment in renewables and green industries. The EU wants Europe to be the “first climate-neutral continent” by 2050. In a speech in Prague this morning, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that there is still a long way to go, but she believes the EU is on the right track.

 

Out words: Has delivered
Dur: 0’21”

Social media platforms report disinformation to EU

Online platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Facebook have submitted detailed reports to the EU on their battles against disinformation. The reports reveal efforts by the big platforms to take down hundreds of videos, discredit weblinks and cut off adverts for propaganda sites. The EU’s Code of Practice on Disinformation is trying to push the social media firms to take more action. X, formally Twitter, has refused to take part. European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, says the war in Ukraine, and forthcoming European elections, are particularly worrying breading grounds for misinformation.

 

Out words: Particularly serious 
Dur: 0’41”

Number of road deaths on EU roads “unacceptably high” – EU

The number of people dying on EU roads remains “unacceptably high”. That’s according to the European Transport Commissioner who was speaking today at the launch of a global campaign for road safety.  

According to Adina Valean, twenty thousand six hundred people (20,600) lost their lives on EU roads last year. And she warned, progress on reducing road fatalities has stalled in some EU countries in recent years.

Out words: twenty thirty

Dur: 00:24

Hollywood actress Yeoh pleads for road safety during Brussels visit

Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh warned about the dangers of reckless driving today during a visit to Brussels. The Academy award winner was taking part in the launch of a global campaign for road safety which took place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.

Ireland has seen an increase in road deaths so far this year compared to the same period last year. And the Road Safety Authority is warning that up, to one hundred and sixty eight (168) lives will be lost on Irish roads this year, if current trends continue.

Michelle Yeoh said road safety is an issue that often flies under the radar, but she warned “its impact is staggering”.

Out words: each year

Dur: 00:26

EU Ministers debate recognition of 3 additional Spanish languages – Burke

EU Ministers in Brussels have been discussing requests by Spain to make Catalan, Basque and Galician official EU languages.  

The Spanish government formally requested the EU to officially recognise the three languages, in August. And that request was considered today by the EU General Affairs Council which has been meeting in Brussels. Ireland’s EU Minister Peter Burke, who attended today’s meeting, said Ireland is in favour of “linguistic pluralism”. But he said more time is needed to evaluate the request.

Out words: budgetary measures

Dur:  00:21

Ukraine making “achievements” on EU membership – Burke

EU Minister Peter Burke says it’s “incredible” to see the progress Ukraine is making on its work to become an EU member state. He made the comments following a breakfast meeting between EU ministers and Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration in Brussels this morning.

Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 by unanimous agreement between the leaders of all EU member states. That candidate status was granted on the understanding that Ukraine takes key steps required to join the bloc. The European Commission is monitoring that progress.  

Minister Burke is attending an EU General Affairs council meeting today in the Belgian capital.

Out words: that progression

Dur: 00:29