EU News Radio

EU proposes increased transparency for sustainable investments – McGuinness

The European Commission today proposed new rules which they say will increase transparency on the market for sustainable investments. The proposals concern providers of Environmental, Social and Governance ratings known as ESGs. ESG ratings generally assess the impact of environmental, social, and governance factors on a company and a company's impact on the outside world.

The Commission is proposing a regulation to improve the reliability and transparency of ESG rating agencies. The Commission says these new rules will enable investors to make better informed decisions regarding sustainable investments. Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, today explained more.   

Out words: and reliable

Dur: 00:36

Vote on Artificial Intelligence “historic” – Vestager

The EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager says proposed EU rules on Artificial Intelligence will enable its development “in a positive manner”. She was speaking today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Tomorrow MEPs will vote on their negotiating position on new EU rules to curb the risks of artificial intelligence and to promote its ethical use.

The European Commission is proposing a set of comprehensive rules to manage AI risk and promote it in ways that align with EU values including human oversight, privacy, and non-discrimination.

Commissioner Vestager says tomorrow’s vote will be historic.

Out words: trust it

Dur: 00:42

World Oceans Day marked in Limerick – Marine Institute

World Oceans Day (8^th June) was marked today in Limerick at the Oceans 23 conference that’s been taking place all week at the University there.

The international event is a forum for global maritime professionals to find out how they can innovate and better protect the world’s oceans.  Paul Connolly, CEO of the Irish Marine Institute, says there are enormous opportunities for Ireland when it comes to the ocean that surrounds us.

Out words: the ocean

Dur: 00:42

Covid virus remains “a threat” – EMA

The Covid 19 virus is still widely circulating and new variants are emerging. The virus is and will remain a threat, especially for the most vulnerable.  That’s according to Marco Cavaleri, the head of Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy with the European Medicines Agency.

Speaking today he said that while the emergency phase of the pandemic “is over”, EMA’s work on it continues.

Out word: than vaccination

Dur: 00:30

Covid vaccines saved almost 20m in 1st year – Cooke EMA

The European Medicines Agency accelerated vaccine approvals and collaborated internationally in “unprecedented ways” to help roll out the largest immunisation programme in European history. That’s according to Irish woman Emer Cooke who heads up the EU agency that evaluates and monitors medicines within the European Union and wider European Economic Area.

She was talking about the work involved in rolling out Covid 19 vaccines during the pandemic. Speaking earlier today, she described what that entailed.  

Out words: million lives

Dur: 00:22

“Solidarity fatigue” could hamper integration of Ukraine refugees

Solidarity is “alive and kicking in the EU” and people receiving Ukrainian refugees “opened their homes and their hearts en masse”. They’re some of the findings of a report on the integration in the EU of people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to the report, support remains high for Ukrainian refugees but it says that goodwill shouldn’t be taken for granted. And that other forces are at work feeding social discontent and populism. The report warns there’s a danger “solidarity fatigue” is beginning to set in in some Member States with underlying problems such as housing shortages or scare childcare capacities.

The report, which was launched today, was spearheaded by former Dutch Deputy Prime Minister, Lodewijk Asscher.

Out words: receiving societies

Dur: 00:37

 

4m Ukraine refugees remain in EU – Johansson

Four million Ukrainian refugees remain in the EU after fleeing the war to countries in the bloc. That’s according to the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, she said sixteen million (16m) refugees came to the EU but that eleven million (11m) subsequently returned home while a further one million (1m) moved on to other places mainly Canada, the US and the UK. Commissioner Johansson said the refugee situation has been stable now for more than a year but that huge pressure remains on some member states.  

Out words: a pressure

Dur: 00:12

Draft Code of conduct on Generative AI within weeks – Vestager

A draft code of conduct for Generative Artificial Intelligence could be ready within weeks. That’s according to EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

She made the announcement after a meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council today in Sweden.  Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT are causing concern because of their ability to create an impressive range of new content based on deep learning.

Commissioner Vestager said accountable artificial intelligence is needed and that Generative AI “is a complete game changer”.

Out words: momentarily

Dur: 00:37

New EU “Growth plan” for Western Balkans – Von der Leyen

The six countries of the Western Balkans should enjoy some of the benefits of EU membership even before they join the bloc. That’s according to the President of the European Commission who was speaking in Bratislava (Slovakia) earlier today.

Ursula von der Leyen presented what she’s calling a new “Growth plan” for the Western Balkans which is based on four elements. They are to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU Single Market and deepen regional economic integration. And the EU is proposing to help the six countries accelerate fundamental reforms and increase pre-accession funds.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:17

EU defence industry must “ramp-up” ammunition production – Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission this morning called for an acceleration of ammunition production to help “sustain the efforts of the Ukrainian armed forces” in their fight against Russia.

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking at a conference in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. She said the EU “must stand firmly” by Ukraine’s side  “for as long as it takes”. The European Commission recently proposed an Ammunition Production Act which is a direct response to EU calls to urgently deliver ammunition, and if requested missiles, to Ukraine.

Out words: invading forces

Dur: 00:22