EU News Radio

EU Ministers agree new tax rules for crypto assets – Dombrovskis

EU finance ministers have agreed new tax transparency rules for all service providers facilitating transactions in crypto-assets for customers resident in the EU. Up until now, the decentralised nature of crypto-assets has made it difficult for member states’ tax administrations to ensure tax compliance. But in future all crypto-asset providers based in the EU, irrespective of their size, will be obliged to report transactions of clients residing in the bloc.

The European Commission says the new rules will improve Member States' abilities to detect and counter tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance. Here’s Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Trade Commissioner.

Out words: financial assets

Dur: 00:20

“Positive outlook” for Irish economy from EU Spring forecast – McGrath

Finance Minister Michael McGrath says the EU’s Spring Economic forecast for Ireland shows “solid growth” for this year and next year.

The European Commission published its Spring Economic Forecast earlier today. It says the European economy continues to show resilience despite global challenges with moderate growth in the first quarter of this year dispelling fears of a recession. However core inflation remains persistently high according to the report. 

Minister McGrath says inflation levels are coming down in Ireland and will average just over four and a half percent this year and will fall further next year. He was speaking in Brussels ahead of a Eurogroup meeting there today.

Out words: as well

Dur: 00:17

European economy “better than expected” – EU Gentiloni LONG

The European economy continues to show resilience despite global challenges with moderate growth in the first quarter of this year dispelling fears of a recession. That’s according to the European Commission which announced its spring economic forecast today. Lower energy prices, reduced supply problems and a strong labour market have led to a “better than expected” start to the year. GDP growth in the euro area is expected to be 1.1% this year and 1.6% in 2024.

However due to “core price pressures”, inflation has also been revised upwards to 5.8% in 2023 and 2.8% in 2024 in the euro area. Paolo Gentiloni, the European Economy Commissioner says Russia’s “brutal invasion” of Ukraine continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty over the outlook.

Out words: negative side

Dur: 00:55

European economy “better than expected” – EU Gentiloni SHORT

The European economy continues to show resilience despite global challenges with moderate growth in the first quarter of this year dispelling fears of a recession. That’s according to the European Commission which announced its spring economic forecast today. Lower energy prices, reduced supply problems and a strong labour market have led to a “better than expected” start to the year. GDP growth in the euro area is expected to be 1.1% this year and 1.6% in 2024.

However due to “core price pressures”, inflation has also been revised upwards to 5.8% in 2023 and 2.8% in 2024 in the euro area. Paolo Gentiloni, the European Economy Commissioner today said Russia’s “brutal invasion” of Ukraine continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty over the outlook.

Out words: remains high

Dur: 00:19

McGuinness cites farming husband on farming woes

Ireland’s EU Commissioner this morning referred to her farming husband as an example of how she’s in touch with the challenges farmers face today.

Mairead McGuinness was speaking in the European Parliament during a debate on the issues farmers are dealing with including adapting to greener farming practices and ensuring food security in Europe. Commissioner McGuinness told MEPs, she understands their frustrations.

Out words: to do

Dur: 00:32

Lack of young farmers in EU of real concern – McGuinness

The agriculture sector across the EU is not attracting enough young men and women to become farmers. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness who was speaking in the European Parliament this morning.

She was debating the role of farmers in the green transition and how to help the agriculture sector more effectively. Commissioner McGuinness told MEPs, encouraging young men and women to farm will not succeed if they cannot earn “decent incomes for their efforts”.

Out words: is fifty seven

Dur: 00:19

EU proposes crackdown on Russia “sanctions circumvention” – VDL

New ways to crack down on so-called Russian sanctions circumventions are being proposed by the European Commission.  The President of the Commission today said the EU needs to take additional action to stop goods going from the bloc to Russia via third countries.  

Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement during her trip to Kyiv today to commemorate Europe Day in Ukraine. She said the proposed new “tool” would be a last resort that “would be used cautiously”.

Out words: goods’ export

Dur: 00:33

Euro “source of strength” - Donohoe

The Euro proved its worth during the pandemic and now war in Europe – that’s according to Paschal Donohoe. Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure and President of the Eurogroup has been speaking at a major conference this afternoon. The Brussels Economic Forum was briefly disrupted by climate protestors displaying banners with the slogan “growth kills”. Paschal Donohoe said through the turbulence of recent years, the single currency has kept Europe steady and he is confident it will continue to do so into the future.

 

Out words: All of Europe

Dur: 0’31”

EU sports streaming clampdown

The EU has called for a clamp down on pirate streaming of sports matches. The League of Ireland has warned the “scourge of illegal online piracy” is undermining a “crucial revenue stream” for Irish football clubs. An EU report estimates illegal streaming of sports and other live events in Europe generates illicit revenues in excess of €500 million per year. Now the EU has published a series of recommendations to take urgent action. European Commission spokesman, Johannes Bahrke, says they will monitor the problem as the new Digital Services Act comes into force in the coming months.

 

Out words: Decided to do

Dur: 0’19”

Ireland should influence EU violence law - O’Reilly

The Irish state should use its considerable influence to push through an EU law on gender-based violence – that’s according to the European Ombudsman. Ireland is currently marking 50 years of EU membership with a series of events. The EU's ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, has been speaking at Iveagh House this lunchtime. In her speech, Emily O’Reilly argued that joining the European Union was key to liberating women in Ireland. She says the state should now in turn show its support to women Europe-wide.

 

Out words: Population size

Dur: 0’24”