EU News Radio

Climate neutrality for fisheries & aquaculture by 2050 – EU

Plans to make the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sector climate-neutral by 2050 were outlined today.

The European Commission presented a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the sector and reduce the negative impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems. Proposals include helping it to speed up its energy transition, by improving fuel efficiency and switching to renewable, low-carbon power sources.

Speaking today European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, said “this is the right moment” to take action to create a more modern, resilient and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Out words: fisheries sector

Dur: 00:25

“Very narrow window of opportunity” on Protocol – Burke

EU Minister Peter Burke says it’s very important to grasp what he’s calling a “very narrow window of opportunity” when it comes to talks on the Northern Ireland protocol. Mr Burke was speaking in Brussels ahead of an EU General Affairs council meeting.  

Minister Burke told reporters this is a sensitive time in terms of the talks and that it’s important to give the negotiating teams space.

Out words: of it

Dur: 00:20

Green fertilisers needed for self-sufficiency – EU

The EU needs to “rapidly” develop a market for green fertilisers in order to reach long-term self-sufficiency in fertiliser production.

That’s the advice from the EU’s Agriculture Commissioner who was speaking in the European Parliament this morning. Janusz Wojciechowski was outlining Commission plans to reduce the EU’s dependency on imported fertilisers.

He told MEPs, fertiliser prices are still “historically very high”. The Commissioner said a range of proposals were on the cards including EU funding for projects developing alternative fertilisers and the need to adopt more sustainable farming practices.

Out words: climate objectives

Dur: 00:33

“Worrying upward trend” in cycling road deaths – EU

The safety of cyclists is a “fundamental issue” that needs to be tackled. That’s according to the European Commission which today called for better promotion of safer cycling and increased building of “safe cycling infrastructure” such as dedicated cycle lanes.

EU Commissioner Janez Lenarcic (Yah-nez Lenar-chich) made the call during a debate on cycling in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning. Mr Lenarcic said enforcement of relevant traffic rules is a vital element in keeping cyclists safe. He told MEPs people will not get on their bikes unless they feel safe to do so.

Out words: three percent

Dur: 00:21

Brexit talks “in very very confidential stage” – Burke

Talks between the EU and the UK on the Northern Ireland Protocol are in a critical phase as expectations grow that a deal may soon be struck.  

Technical negotiations between both sides have been going on for weeks as they try to resolve outstanding issues. There’s hope the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may be close to striking a deal with the EU.

Europe Minister Peter Burke, today said trust between the EU and the UK has improved in recent weeks. He was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg where the fiftieth anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the EU is being marked. 

Out words: Northern Ireland

Dur: 00:25

“Several difficulties” remain on Brexit Protocol – Sefcovic

The EU’s vice president Maroš Šefčovič says “intensive talks” between the EU and the UK are continuing and that both sides are “scoping” for potential joint solutions related to the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol.   

Speaking in Brussels today, Mr Šefčovič says it remains the EU’s desire to have a “positive and stable relationship” with the UK.  But he said, “several difficulties” remain on the protocol.

Out words: way forward

Dur: 00:25

EU-Ukraine accession negotiations feasible – Varadkar

The Ukrainian president is expected to press EU leaders to allow Ukraine to begin accession negotiations to join the European Union as soon as possible.

Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels attending an EU summit where he will meet leaders of EU member states. He addressed the European Parliament in the Belgian capital earlier on Thursday.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was feasible that accession negotiations with Ukraine could begin later this year if it meets the required criteria.

Out words: their application

Dur: 00:21

“We stand 100% behind Ukraine”– Varadkar

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, is in Brussels today to meet EU leaders at the European Council summit taking place there. This morning President Zelensky addressed the European Parliament in person. His visit to Brussels follows a surprise trip to London and Paris yesterday.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in many ways, the most important topic on this week’s Council agenda would be Ukraine.

Out words: it takes

Dur: 00:24

EU proposes plans to “boost disaster resilience”

EU plans to better prepare European countries for natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods and forest fires, were outlined today in Brussels. The European Commission is recommending the setting up of common goals to boost disaster resilience in the area of civil protection. The aim of the five “European disaster resilience goals” is to improve the capacity of the EU and participating states, to anticipate and withstand the effects of future major disasters and emergencies.

Speaking today at the launch of the initiative, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, said natural and man-made disasters are becoming more frequent, intense and complex.

Out words: the environment

Dur: 00:25

Historic EU meeting in Ukraine

The President of the European Commission will hold meetings with the government of Ukraine in Kyiv today. President von der Leyen is accompanied by fifteen members of the EU’s College of Commissioners including Ireland’s Mairead McGuinness.  

It will be the first ever EU College to Government meeting with Ukraine. And it comes ahead of an EU-Ukraine summit tomorrow.

This morning the EU commissioner Johannes Hahn explained the purpose of the visit during his address to the European Parliament in Brussels.

Out words: diplomatic outreach

Dur: 00:31