EU News Radio

Commissioner urges MEPs to pass Nature Restoration Law - Sinkevicius

The EU Environment Commissioner this morning pleaded with the European Parliament to approve the controversial EU Nature Restoration Law. In June last year, the Commission proposed a regulation that would require countries to establish recovery measures for 20% of the European Union’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

However, the proposed law is divisive with some arguing it will have serious impacts on food production and on the livelihoods of farmers and fisheries groups. Others say it’s essential to address massive biodiversity loss across the EU.

Last month the European Parliament’s Environment Committee failed to approve the proposed new law. And so tomorrow the entire Parliament will vote on it.  This morning Commissioner Sinkevičius said the consequences of the climate and biodiversity crisis are “becoming increasingly visible”.

Long clip:

Out words: sometimes more

Dur: 00:41

EU proposes deregulating some GM crops

The European Commission has proposed loosening the rules on GM crops. The changes would mean genetically modified plants ‘comparable’ to naturally occurring variations would not have to go through the current authorisation process. The EU argues that New Genomic Techniques or NGTs can increase yields and reduce the use of pesticides. Announcing the proposals this afternoon, European Commission Executive Vice President, Frans Timmermans, said the new regulation will continue to protect the environment whilst bringing benefits to farming.

 

Out words: Climate change
Dur: 0’15”

McGuinness on cleaning up the Atlantic Ocean

The EU is working to clean up the Atlantic Ocean – that’s according to Mairead McGuinness. By 2030, the EU has pledged to “protect and restore the health of our ocean”. For ten years, the so-called Galway Statement – a cooperation agreement between European, US and Canadian scientists – has enabled extensive research to be carried out into the waters off the Irish coast. European Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, says that work is contributing to a worldwide effort.

Out words: To be done
Dur: 1’03”

Galway Statement steering EU on environment – McGuinness

Major research in the Atlantic Ocean is helping to steer EU environmental policy – that’s according to Mairead McGuinness. The Galway Statement was signed ten years ago to encourage European, US and Canadian scientists to cooperate. Since 2013, then more than one thousand research teams have come together to study new species, map the ocean floor and investigate climate change. A series of events marking the ten-year anniversary are taking place this week in Dublin and Galway. Ireland’s European Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, is a big advocate of the work being done. She says the research is achieving important results.

 

Out words: Around climate change
Dur: 0’27”

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