EU News Radio

EU mainland inaugurates first spaceport

The first spaceport on mainland Europe has been inaugurated in a ceremony in northern Sweden. The spaceport, 120 miles north of the arctic circle, aims to become “Europe’s gateway to space”. It comes just days after the UK’s first spaceport in Cornwall suffered the disappointment of a failed launch of its first mission. Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lapland this morning, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said the state-of-the-art facility in Sweden will open up new possibilities for Europe.

Out words: Final frontier

Dur: 0’17”

“Significant building block to a potential agreement” - Tánaiste

Resolving problems with the Northern Ireland protocol will still be difficult, the Tánaiste has warned. Yesterday the UK and the EU reach a deal on one of the stumbling blocks, but a lot of issues remain. Speaking on a visit to Brussels this afternoon, Micheál Martin, was positive there has been movement, but warned more work lies ahead.

Out words: Discussions further

Dur: 0’59”

Tánaiste urges space for Brexit deal

The Tánaiste has welcomed a “new positive momentum” in Brexit talks. Micheál Martin is in Brussels today where he has been discussing Brexit with key players. Speaking after his meeting with EU negotiator, Maros Sefcovic, the Tánaiste warned there was still a lot of work to be done to resolve issues with the Northern Ireland protocol.

Out words: Approach then

Dur: 0’23”

EU plans sanctions against Russia supporting nations

The EU is preparing new sanctions against Belarus for supporting Russia’s war, Ursula von der Leyen has announced. The President of the European Commission has been speaking this morning following the signing of a new EU-NATO cooperation agreement. The deal promises to enhance European military and defence. Ursula von der Leyen said countries who help Russia attack Ukraine will face more sanctions.  

Out words: In Ukraine

Dur: 0’21”

EU proposes 2023 European year of Skills

The European Commission wants 2023 to be the European Year of Skills. Its President Ursula von der Leyen, originally proposed the idea in her State of the Union address last year

Now the European Council and Parliament are reviewing the proposal.

Grace Bolton, the head of press at the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, explains why the Commission wants this year to be the year of skills.  

Out words: our continent

Dur: 00:42

Calling all “Eurobabies” born 1st Jan 1973 – EMI

European Movement Ireland wants to hear from all those babies born in Ireland fifty years ago today, who were presented with special medallions marking Ireland’s membership of the EEC.

Some one hundred and sixty (160) Irish babies who born on New Year’s Day in 1973, were presented with medals commissioned by what is now European Movement Ireland (in 1973 it was known as the Irish Council of the European Movement).

Its CEO Noelle O’Connell, says they want to reach out to those who were presented with the medals, to mark their big fiftieth birthday.

Out words: 2023

Dur: 00:21

Ireland punching “far above” weight & size since Jan 73 – O’Connell EMI

Fifty years ago today, Ireland officially became a member of what was then the European Economic Community along with Denmark and the UK.

A year earlier (January 22^nd), Ireland’s Treaty of Accession was signed by Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Minister for Foreign Affairs Patrick Hillery in Brussels. Then in May 1972, an overwhelming majority of Irish people voted to join the bloc.

Noelle O’Connell of European Movement Ireland, says fifty years on the country is transformed.

Out words: Union membership

Dur: 00:50

Ireland “fundamentally transformed” since joining EEC – O’Connell

Today (1/01/2023) marks the fiftieth anniversary of Ireland joining what was then the EEC (European Economic Community).

Ireland’s official membership of the EEC followed a referendum in May 1972 when Irish people voted emphatically to join the bloc. Since then, the country has “fundamentally transformed” according to Noelle O’Connell, the CEO of European Movement Ireland.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:38

ECJ rules on “AirBnB tax” information and collection obligations

The European Court of Justice has found EU law does not preclude the requirement for short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, to collect information or withhold tax under a national tax regime. Europe’s highest court this morning announced its ruling on a case brought by the Italian Council of State.

The case was taken to the ECJ, after AirBnB Ireland and AirBnB Payments UK challenged a 2017 Italian law that requires rental agents or intermediaries including online portals, to withhold tax from individuals renting out their properties on a short-term basis. This morning the ECJ declared the Italian law is compatible with EU directives when it comes to imposing certain tax obligations on short-term rent collectors.  

Jacques Rene-Zammit, spokesperson for the ECJ explains.

Out words: can remain

Dur: 00:30

EU extends current arrangements on Movement of Vet Meds from GB-NI

The European Commission today announced it has taken steps to ensure the continuity of supplies of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (and Cyprus, Ireland and Malta) to December 2025.

There were growing concerns in Northern Ireland about what would happen to the supply of veterinary medicines from Great Britain once the current arrangements ran out at the end of this year.

Today the Commission’s vice-president Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ said the decision to extend those arrangements was a “practical solution to a practical problem”.

Out words: to adapt

Dur: 01:20