EU News Radio

Extension of protection to Ukrainians in EU proposed - VDL

The European Commission today recommended an extension of the EU’s temporary protection to Ukrainians who’ve sought refuge in the bloc. The President of the Commission,  Ursula von der Leyen proposed the extension during her State of the Union address in the European Parliament this morning. She told MEPs, the EU will be at Ukraine’s side “every step of the way for as long as it takes”. And she said, since the start of the war, four million Ukrainians have found refuge in the bloc.  

Out words: will endure

Dur: 00:33

EU chief calls for new “global framework” to control Artificial Intelligence

The President of the European Commission is calling for a new “global framework” to control the development of artificial intelligence. Ursula von der Leyen wants to set up a global panel of experts who can provide knowledge on the risks and benefits of AI including its impact on society.

President von der Leyen made the recommendations during her annual state of the union address in the European Parliament this morning. She told MEPs, artificial intelligence can improve healthcare, boost productivity and address climate change. But she warned, we should “not underestimate the very real threats” AI poses to the world.

Out words: technology responsibly

Dur: 00:47

 

EU boss calls for further EU enlargement to over 30

The President of the European Commission has called for a further enlargement of the European Union with membership of thirty plus countries.

Ursula von der Leyen made the call this morning during her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She told MEPs the EU cannot afford to leave “our fellow Europeans behind”. And she said it was clearly in Europe’s “strategic interest” to complete what she called “our union”.  

Out words: member states

Dur: 00:55

Von der Leyen to make critical address to MEPs Wednesday morning

The President of the European Commission will make her final State of the Union address (on Wednesday morning) before next year’s EU elections.

Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the annual speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She’s expected to touch on some of the key priorities and issues dominating EU politics right now. The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, outlines some of the topics she’s likely to focus on during her address.

Out words: of that

Dur: 00:56

Von der Leyen State of the Union address Wednesday

The President of the European Commission will tomorrow (Wednesday) deliver the annual State of the Union address in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

It will be Ursula von der Leyen’s final State of the Union speech before next year’s European Parliament elections. She’s expected to touch on some of the key priorities and issues dominating EU politics right now including the war on Ukraine, energy security, migration and the impact of climate change.

The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan explains the significance of the speech.

Out words: next year

Dur: 00:28

EU Ombudsman warns of “corrosive impact” of revolving door phenomenon in EU

The EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has warned of the damaging impact of the so-called revolving door phenomenon in the EU. That’s the potential conflict of interest that can arise when EU Commissioners, politicians and officials leave their jobs for lucrative positions in the private sector.

Emily O’Reilly was speaking this morning in Brussels during a debate on ethics in the EU. She referred to the “corrosive impact” this form of “soft corruption” has on our democracies and regulatory outcomes. Ms O’Reilly cited Europe’s dependency on Russian gas as an example of the revolving doors phenomena.  

Out words: a result

Dur: 00:40

Easier travel & rights across EU for people with disabilities – Dalli

The European Commission today announced proposals to give people with disabilities, better access and rights when they travel across the EU.

The Commission wants to introduce a standardised European Disability Card along with an enhanced European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.

The European Disability Card should grant equal access to special conditions and preferential treatment in public and private services. And the European Parking Card will allow persons with disabilities to access the same parking rights available in other EU countries.

The European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli today said both cards would ease travel challenges for those with disabilities.

Out words: parking rights

Dur: 00:29

EU wide disability & enhanced parking cards proposed by European Commission

People with disabilities should enjoy better access to special conditions and preferential treatment such as free parking, when they travel to another EU country.

That’s according to the European Commission. Today it announced proposals to introduce a standardised European Disability Card along with an enhanced European Parking Card for those with disabilities.

Speaking today, European Commissioner Vera Jourova said both cards will make their lives easier when it comes to travelling across the EU.  

Out words: disability card

Dur: 00:36

Solidarity lanes solution to Russia blocking Ukraine grain exports

The use of “solidarity lanes” is the solution to dealing with Russia’s recent decision to block transport of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea corridor.  That’s according to the EU agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski.

Solidarity lanes are rail, road and inland waterways connections that enable Ukraine to import and export critical goods through bordering EU countries. Millions of tonnes of grain, oilseeds and related products have left Ukraine through the Solidarity lanes since they were established.

According to Commissioner Wojciechowski, they enabled the export of around sixty percent (60%) of Ukraine’s grain since the start of the war.

Out words: Ukraine needs

Dur: 00:20

Exchange of EU civil servants for improved public services

The exchange of civil servants across the EU could help countries like Ireland improve the quality of its public services and help deal with holdups in planning permission permits.  That’s according to a top EU official who met government officials and Minister Paschal Donohoe (Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform) during his recent visit to Dublin.

Mario Nava is the Commission’s director general for structural reform and support (DG REFORM). It’s the EU body that provides support to member states’ civil services to help them reform and improve the way they operate.  Mr Nava says a new EU initiative could help civil servants across the EU to learn from one another.

Out words: on them

Dur: 00:30