EU News Radio

“Imperative” EU-US converge not diverge – Dombrovskis LONG

The EU’s Trade Commissioner has said it’s “imperative” the EU and the US converge rather than diverge whenever possible.  

Valdis Dombrovskis was speaking in Washington today following his meeting with the US trade representative, Katherine Tai. Mr Dombrovskis’s remarks follow recent controversial comments by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview with media outlets, President Macron said Europe should not act as followers of the US when it came to the defence of Taiwan. And he said being a US ally did not mean being a “vassal”. However, Valdis Dombrovskis had this message today on EU-US relations.

Out words: trade agenda

Dur: 00:44

“Imperative” EU-US converge not diverge – Dombrovskis SHORT

The EU’s Trade commissioner has said it’s “imperative” the EU and the US converge rather than diverge whenever possible.  Valdis Dombrovskis was speaking in Washington today following his meeting with the US trade representative, Katherine Tai. Mr Dombrovskis’s remarks follow controversial comments by the French president Emmanuel Macron.

In a recent interview with media outlets, President Macron said France should not get caught up in an escalation of tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. He also said being a US ally did not mean being a “vassal”.

However, Valdis Dombrovskis had a different message today on EU-US relations.

Out words: whenever possible.

Dur: 00:19

EU boss warns China on “arming the aggressor” – von der Leyen

The head of the European Commission has warned China it must not supply any military equipment to Russia for its war on Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking in Beijing today where she’s been meeting Chinese leaders including its President Xi Jinping. She said her visit was taking place in a challenging and increasingly volatile context, in particular she said, because of “Russia’s war of aggression” against Ukraine.

Out words: our relationship

Dur: 01:16

Finland’s NATO membership welcomed by EU – Borrell

The EU’s Foreign policy chief today welcomed Finland’s membership of NATO. Josep Borrell also said he hopes Sweden will soon join the military alliance which he added would make the EU closer to it. Ireland is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr Borrell was speaking this morning ahead of a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting at its headquarters in Belgium.

Out words: stronger

Dur: 00:25

EU warns China on Russian relations – Borrell

China’s position on Russia’s atrocities and war crimes in Ukraine, “will determine the quality” of EU relations with Beijing. That’s the warning from the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. He made the comments this morning following his meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the French President Emmanuel Macron are visiting China this week. They’re due to meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Mr Borrell said that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is expected to stand up in defence of an international rules-based order.

Out words: to China    

Dur: 00:17

Putin’s “nuclear gamble” poses “direct threat” to Europe – Borrell

The EU’s foreign policy chief has strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans to place Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Josep Borrell was speaking following his bilateral meeting in Brussels this morning with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mr Borrell said Putin’s plans to move tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, threaten European security.

Out words: arms abroad

Dur: 00:30

von der Leyen praises GFA unsung heros

The President of the European Commission has praised the people as well as the politicians who brought about the Good Friday Agreement. The EU is commemorating the 25^th anniversary with a series of events in Brussels this afternoon. Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement was down to the incredible work by leaders on all sides, but also to the citizens.

Out words:  Good Friday Agreement

Dur: 0’24”

Brexit challenged GFA letter, spirit and promise – von der Leyen

Brexit posed a challenge to the letter, spirit and promise of the Good Friday Agreement – that’s according to Ursula von der Leyen. The European Commission President has been speaking at a commemoration ceremony to mark 25 years of the agreement in Brussels this afternoon. She says the EU was determined that Brexit would not undermine reconciliation. And she says she is confident the Windsor Framework remains true to the Good Friday Agreement.

 

Out words:  Of Ireland

Dur: 1’06”

EU storing vaccines for future wave

The EU is in negotiating with manufacturers to “significantly reduce” vaccine deliveries, the European Commission has admitted. During the pandemic the EU ordered millions of doses of covid vaccines. Since then, the EU has convinced Pfizer and other vaccine makers to delay vaccine distribution in the face of falling demand. The European Health Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, says that work is continuing, whilst at the same time ensuring enough doses are stored in case we are hit by another serious wave.

 

Out words: May need
Dur: 0’32”

Ireland providing “massive response” to Ukraine – Minister Burke

Ireland is “very very clear” in terms of the non-lethal aid it provides to Ukraine. That’s according to Europe Minister Peter Burke who was speaking in Brussels ahead of a meeting of EU ministers today.

His comments follow yesterday’s approval by EU foreign and defence ministers of plans to boost artillery ammunition deliveries to Ukraine.

Mr Burke said the Taoiseach is in “very close contact” with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Out words: Ukrainian citizens 

Dur: 00:40