EU News Radio

Windsor Framework must be fully implemented - Sefcovic

Changes to the Northern Ireland protocol will only come into force once the EU has the safeguard it needs, Maros Sefcovic has warned. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework back in March. An opinion poll last week suggested that a majority now support the Brexit protocol. Under the deal, trade checks on goods from Britain to NI will be gradually eased. In return, the UK committed to a raft of measures including building border posts, labelling goods and giving the EU access to customs databases. Speaking in Brussels this afternoon, European Commission Vice President, Maros Sefcovic, warned that the work is far from over.

 

Out words: Implementation work

Dur: 0’20”

Ireland will not commit to mutual defence - Taoiseach

Ireland will not be drawn into a mutual defence clause for Ukraine, the Taoiseach has insisted. Leo Varadkar is in Brussels for a summit of EU leaders this afternoon and due to continue into tomorrow. Leaders are expected to discuss the situation in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy will also join by video link. In the text to be signed off by the EU27, it is understood there will be reference to “future security commitments to Ukraine”. The Taoiseach says he will ensure the wording does not undermine Ireland’s position on neutrality.

 

Out words: Policy of neutrality

Dur: 0’34”

EU responds to crypto with Digital Euro

The European Commission has proposed launching a ‘Digital Euro’ currency to sit alongside Euro coins and banknotes. Digital Euro would become a method of payment throughout the Eurozone, even in remote areas without an internet connection. Unlike cryptocurrencies, the EU promises that the Digital Euro would be fully backed by the European Central Bank to guarantee its stable value. Announcing the proposal in Brussels this lunchtime, European Commissioner for Financial Affairs, Mairead McGuinness, said it will be a complement to the cash in our pockets.

 

Out words: Of cash

Dur: 0’53”

Irish Commissioner signs UK deal

Ireland’s European Commissioner has signed off on a deal with the UK on financial services. The memorandum of understanding has been sitting on the shelf since the Brexit deal was agreed. Mairead McGuinness said there was now a "spirit of partnership". The agreement will allow officials from the UK and EU to regularly discuss how they can co-operate better. European Commissioner for financial services, Mairead McGuinness, signed the agreement this afternoon with the UK chancellor. She says, despite Brexit, there is a need to work together.

 

Out words: Digital finance

Dur: 0’21”

Minister welcomes new sanctions on Russia

Ireland’s Europe minister has welcomed a new set of sanctions against Russia. The EU has concluded its 11^th round of sanctions. They target more individuals linked to Putin’s regime and add new restrictions on EU exports which Russia might be using in its war in Ukraine. But, as Minister, Peter Burke, explains, the main focus this time has been on trying to close the loopholes in the existing EU sanctions.

 

Out words: As prescribed

Dur: 0’23”

“Huge” opportunities for Ireland on climate change challenges – Commission

There are huge opportunities for Ireland when it comes to adapting to the impacts of climate change. That’s according to John Bell, a director of Research and Innovation with the European Commission.

He was speaking in Dublin Castle where the European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference has been taking place this week. ECCA is Europe’s flagship conference on climate change adaptation for Europe. It’s the first time the event is being held in Ireland.

John Bell explained what climate adaptation will mean for people living in Ireland in the future.  

Out words: safer Europe

Dur: 01:04

Europe “fastest warming” continent in World – ECCA Dublin Castle

Europe is now the fastest warming continent in the world with 2022 marked by extreme heat, drought and wildfires. And climate change is taking a major human, economic and environmental toll in Europe.

That’s according to the latest report on The State of the Climate in Europe. It was produced by the World Meteorological Organisation and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.  

Andrew Ferrone, one of the lead authors of the report, discussed its findings this morning at the European Climate Change Adaptation conference (ECCA 2023) taking place in Dublin Castle.

Out words: their melting

Dur: 00:46

Major European climate change conference at Dublin Castle

Scientists and climate change experts from around the world have been gathering in Dublin Castle today to see how Europe can adapt to the ravages of climate change.

The 6^th European Climate Change Adaptation conference known as ECCA, is Europe’s flagship conference on climate change adaptation for Europe. It’s the first time the event is being held in Ireland.

Dr Frank McGovern the chief climate scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency,  says the goal is to see what can be done to reduce the adverse impact of climate change on people, places and nature.

Out words: European level

Dur: 00:29

Google accused of distorting competition in adtech industry by Commission

The European Commission has informed Google of its preliminary view that the company breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry  known as ‘adtech'.

The Commission is alleging Google favours its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers. The Commission's preliminary view is that only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services would address its competition concerns.

Speaking today, the EU’s Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager announced details of the findings.  

Out words: ad tech services

Dur:  00:32

Millions of EU farms lost due to lack of young farmers – Ag Commissioner

Over three million farms were lost and eight hundred farms disappeared every day during the decade from 2010 to 2020. Those losses were mainly due to a lack of young farmers willing to take over their family holdings.

That’s according to the EU Agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski. He was speaking (last night) in the European Parliament where MEPs will vote today on a report on ensuring food security in the European Union. The average age of a farmer in the bloc is now fifty seven (57). And over a third of farmers are over sixty five (65) years old.  

The Commissioner says the key to tackling generational renewal lies not only in agricultural policies but in other EU policies as well. He’s advocating for rural residents to have the right to the same living conditions as city dwellers.

Out words: rural residents

Dur: 00:27