EU News Radio

Brexit deal to be fully implemented, promises Sefcovic

The Windsor Framework is ‘co-owned’ by the UK and EU and will therefore be fully implemented - that’s according to the EU’s Brexit negotiator. The UK and the European Union agreed in principle to changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol two weeks ago. The Windsor Framework would see an end to most checks on goods from Britain destined for sale in Northern Ireland. Goods heading to the Republic and the rest of the EU will however still be subject to customs controls. Speaking in the European Parliament this evening, European Commission Vice President, Maroš Šefčovič, said it signified a new beginning for UK-EU relations, particularly for Northern Ireland.

 

Out words: And prosperity
Dur: 0’32”

Coveney warns against EU protectionism

The EU must strike a difficult balance to protect European companies without undermining the Single Market – that’s according to Simon Coveney. The President of the European Commission is meeting President Biden in Washington today. The US Inflation Reduction Act is expected to be part of their discussion. Meanwhile, EU trade ministers have gathered in Stockholm. Speaking from the Swedish capital this morning, Trade Minister, Simon Coveney, said it was no secret that Ireland is cautious about how the EU handles the matter.

 

Out words: The same way
Dur: 1’04”

EU ministers meet to discuss migration

EU justice and home affairs ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss Europe’s response to migration. Ministers are racing to complete reforms of the so-called ‘Dublin regulation’ before next year’s European elections. The EU has promised a faster and fairer asylum system. Speaking in Brussels this morning, Ireland’s justice minister, Simon Harris, said there is still a lot of work to be done.

 

Out words: As well
Dur: 0’45”

Housing support for Ukrainians must continue - EU

The right of Ukrainians to live and work in the EU may be extended until 2025, the European Commission has announced. The so-called Temporary Protection Directive was triggered at the start of the war. It guarantees Ukrainians the right to housing, healthcare and education in the EU. European Commission Vice President, Margaritis Schinas, accepted that the scheme was putting pressure on housing in local areas, but he said support for people fleeing Ukraine must continue.

 

Out words: Is addressed

Dur: 0’16”

Europe must go into “war economy mode” - Breton

Europe must shift into “war economy mode” to maximise support for Ukraine – that’s according to the European Commissioner for the Internal Market. For weeks, Ukraine has been pleading with western governments to urgently send more military hardware, especially ammunition. EU defence ministers are meeting in Stockholm today to discuss the situation. The European Commission will put forward a plan for EU governments to pool resources to buy more equipment together. European Commissioner, Thierry Breton, says Europe must decide to act.

 

Out words: Supply Ukraine

Dur: 0’21”

Digital driver licences on the horizon – EU

The days of having a plastic or paper driving licence may be coming to an end. In the future our licences will be digital that can be stored on smart devices like our mobile phones.

The European Commission today presented proposals to introduce digital driving licences that would be valid throughout the EU. The Commission’s package also includes new road safety rules to help the EU achieve its "Vision Zero" target of no deaths on EU roads by 2050.

The EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean this morning outlined the advantages of a digital driver’s licence.  

Short clip

Out words: you prefer

Dur: 00:16

Stormont Brake part of new Windsor Framework – VDL

A so-called “Stormont Brake” will be part of the new Windsor Framework which replaces the Northern Ireland Protocol. The deal was announced today following a meeting in Windsor between EU boss Ursula von der Leyen and the British PM Rishi Sunak. The deal includes a new emergency mechanism called the Stormont Brake.

It will allow the UK government, at the request of 30 Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to stop the application of Protocol-related EU laws or provisions in Northern Ireland that may have “a significant and lasting impact” on the people there.  

However, President von der Leyen today stressed the European Court of Justice would remain the sole and ultimate arbiter of EU law.

Out words: for us

Dur: 01:12

EU-UK strike new “Windsor Framework” deal for NI – VDL

The EU and UK have agreed a deal on post-Brexit trading rules for Northern Ireland. The new “Windsor Framework” will replace the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The deal was announced this afternoon following a meeting in Windsor between the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

President von der Leyen said the new Windsor Framework lays down “new arrangements” on Ireland, Northern Ireland. And she said, it provides for “long-lasting solutions” that will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Out words: our society   

Dur: 00:25

European Commission suspends Tik Tok from devices – EU

The European Commission has suspended the use of the social media app Tik Tok on its corporate devices and on the private devices of staff using them for Commission purposes. The Commission says its introduced the suspension to protect the institution against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyber-attacks against it.

Speaking this morning, Commission spokesperson Sonya Gospodinova, explained the reason behind the suspension.

Out words: daily work

Dur: 00:19

Brexit talks “good progress” but not at finishing line – Šefčovič

The EU has made “good progress” with the UK on the Northern Ireland protocol talks and they can clearly see “the finishing line”. But being close doesn’t mean being done.

That’s according to the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič who was speaking in Brussels earlier.  Mr Šefčovič said discussions are continuing at full speed and that space is needed to achieve a successful outcome.

Out words: of Northern Ireland

Dur: 00:33