EU News Radio

Last attempt to agree EU climate target before COP

EU environment ministers are meeting in Brussels for a last-ditch attempt to agree a climate target before the COP climate summit. The European Commission has proposed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040, but so far ministers have not been able to reach an agreement on that percentage. Under the Paris climate agreement, the EU must inform the UN of its ten-year plan to cut emissions before the COP meeting in Brazil. But it cannot do that until the long-term 2040 target has been set. Some member states are worried that setting a target that is too stringent will kill European industry. So far, ministers have only been able to agree to a range of cutting emissions between 66 and 72 percent by 2035. Speaking ahead of the meeting in Brussels this morning, the EU’s Climate Commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, insisted that that is already an impressive objective.

 

Out words: Years to come

Dur: 0’20”

Chinese baby products & cosmetics on EU hit list – McGrath

Dangerous Chinese imports including certain baby products and cosmetics will be in the firing line when EU Commissioner Michael McGrath visits China this week.

Mr McGrath, who’s responsible for EU Consumer Protection, says there’s been a “dramatic growth” in the volume of small parcels that EU consumers are buying from Chinese platforms like Temu and Shein. Some of those imports are dangerous according to the Commissioner.

Dur: 00:31

McGrath to tackle safety of Chinese imports on trip to China - Short

The safety of consumer products imported from China into the EU will be a key focus of EU Commissioner Michael McGrath’s visit to China next week.  

According to the Commissioner, about twelve million (12m) small parcels are imported into the EU every day with over ninety percent (90%) of them coming from China. He’s warning there are issues with the safety of some products bought on popular Chinese retail platforms such as Shein and Temu.

Dur: 00:20

“No future for farming” without new farmers – EU Hansen

The European Commissioner for Agriculture is warning there’s a “clear lack of investment in agriculture” which will have a knock-on effect on the productivity and continuity of farming communities.

Christoph Hansen’s comments follow last week’s presentation of the EU’s proposed “Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture”. It aims to double the share of young farmers in the bloc by 2040. The Strategy contains a range of proposed measures including a “mandatory starter pack” in the next CAP (Common Agriculture Policy) to help young people to set up and establish themselves in farming.  

Speaking today in Paris, Commissioner Hansen said less than twelve percent (12%) of EU farmers are below the age of forty (40) with the average age being above fifty seven (57).

Dur:00:22

Social Media “completely rewiring childhood” – VDL

EU boss Ursula von der Leyen today warned there’s “growing scientific evidence” to show what she called “the enormous harm” a “screen based childhood” poses to children.

Ursula von der Leyen said a panel of experts will soon deliver recommendations on social media to the EU which will be acted on next year. President von der Leyen stressed that it is parents and not algorithms who raise their children.

Dur: 00:12

EU can play “crucial role” in supporting Gaza – Šuica

The EU is “uniquely positioned” to play a “pivotal role” in the Middle East following the recent ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. That’s according to EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica who was speaking this morning in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

She told MEPs, the first phase of the agreement has shown promising signs with the release of hostages and political prisoners. However Commissioner Šuica warned, the humanitarian situation in Gaza “remains catastrophic”. And she said, the EU stands ready to contribute to the "comprehensive" 20-point peace plan.

Dur: 00:19

“Affordability” an EU priority for 2026 – VDL

Affordable housing, energy and electric cars for people living in Europe, will be among key EU priorities for 2026. The European Commission today spelled out the policy and legislative initiatives it’s aiming to tackle next year. Those priorities will dovetail with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union which will take place in the second half of 2026.

EU Boss Ursula von der Leyen today explained why affordability will be a key part of the Commission’s work programme next year.

Dur: 00:24

European Drone Defence system by end ’27 – Kallas

Plans to build a European Drone defence system by the end of 2027 were unveiled today by the European Commission. The proposals are part of the EU’s new Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. It  contains plans for a range of initiatives to ensure Europe is ready to defend itself by the end of the decade (2030). The EU’s Foreign policy boss, Kaja Kallas today said the Roadmap is a plan to fill the defence gaps that exist in Europe today. One of the recommendations is the establishment of a European Drone Defence Initiative.

Dur: 00:12

EU unveils defence “plan to keep peace” – Kallas

Plans to radically increase Europe’s defence capabilities were unveiled today in Brussels. The European Commission adopted its Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 which was originally requested by the European Council (EU member states).

The Roadmap contains proposals for a range of initiatives to ensure Europe is ready to defend itself by the end of the decade (2030). These include establishing European Air and Space Shields, a Drone Defence initiative along with a massive increase in defence spending.  The EU’s Foreign policy boss, Kaja Kallas today said the Roadmap is a plan to fill the defence gaps that exist in Europe today.  

Dur: 00:24

Relax State-aid rules for “affordable housing” – Von der Leyen

The EU wants to relax State-aid rules to increase the supply of affordable housing across the bloc. That’s according to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen who was speaking this morning in Brussels. Usually member states are responsible for housing policy.  But a growing housing crisis in many EU countries, prompted the European Commission to get involved. It’s currently working on the first ever European Affordable Housing Plan which is expected to be published over the coming months.   

President von der Leyen said the Housing Plan will be a “European effort anchored in local solutions”.

Dur: 00:12