EU News Radio

Europe dependence on Russian energy way down - von der Leyen

Europe has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian energy supplies since the start of the war in Ukraine.

That’s according to EU boss Ursula von der Leyen who was speaking at the Future of Energy Security Summit in London today. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU worked to reduce its reliance on Russian fuels following global price hikes.

Dur: 00:24

Energy Security “life blood” of economies” - Von der Leyen

The world is facing “a new paradigm for energy security” with Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies in Europe, the conflict in the Middle East and the threat of US tariffs threatening economies. That’s the warning from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. 

She made the comments today at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London. There, leaders have been discussing the main factors affecting energy security internationally and how solutions such as clean energy technologies can improve energy supplies. 

Dur: 00:12

EU launches AI Continent Action Plan – Virkkunen

The European Commission today launched an Artificial Intelligence Continent Action Plan with the aim of making Europe “a global leader “in artificial intelligence. The Action Plan is made up of five main elements. They include building a network of large-scale AI data and computing infrastructure, strengthening AI skills and talents and establishing an AI Act Service Desk.

Speaking today at the launch of the Action Plan, Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, explained more about its objectives.

Dur: 00:21

“Paradigm shift” of global trading system” – ŠEFČOVIČ

EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade will today discuss the next steps the EU should take with the US following the decision by Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on EU imports. The European Trade Commissioner Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ is engaged in ongoing contacts with the Trump administration on the tariffs. This morning he outlined what will be discussed in today’s ministerial meeting in Luxembourg.

Dur: 00:19

Tariffs mean €80bn additional duties on EU exports to US – McGrath

The latest round of US tariffs will mean an additional eighty billion euro (€80bn) of duties on EU exports to the US. That’s according to Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection. Speaking today in Dublin, Commissioner McGrath said tariffs will lead to higher prices, less trade and companies coming under threat.  

Dur: 00:47

Tariffs mean higher prices, less trade and companies under threat – McGrath

An estimated three hundred and eighty billion euro (€380bn) of EU exports to the US will be subject to the additional tariffs announced yesterday by Donald Trump. That will mean around seventy percent (70%) of all EU exports to the US being subject to new tariffs. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath.

Speaking today in Dublin, he warned the EU is entering a period of uncertainty and turbulence. But he said, the bloc is ready to respond and defend the interests of European businesses and member states if negotiations with the US on the tariffs fail.

Dur: 00:21

US tariffs on Irish Pharma will trigger EU-wide response - McGrath

Threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Irish pharmaceutical products will trigger an EU-wide response. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath. Yesterday President Trump said the US will impose tariffs on foreign pharmaceutical products. He cited Ireland as one of the countries that produces drugs and medicines.

 

The Trump administration is expected to announce wide-scale tariffs next Wednesday which could hit Irish exports to the US including pharma products. Commissioner McGrath says if that happens, Ireland will be supported by the EU in its response to those tariffs. 
Dur: 00:13 

US auto tariffs “deeply regrettable” - EU McGrath

Ireland’s EU Commissioner has condemned US plans to impose twenty five percent tariffs on imports of foreign cars and light trucks. Michael McGrath warned “there are only losers when it comes to tit-for-tat tariff wars”. The Trump administration is expected to announce wide-scale tariffs next Wednesday which could hit Irish exports to the US. 

Dur: 00:42

EU to apply countermeasures to US tariffs – von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says the imposition of US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports is deeply regrettable. Ursula von der Leyen this morning said tariffs are taxes that “are bad for business, and worse for consumers”. She warned, the EU will now apply countermeasures which will start on April the first.

Dur: 01:01

Ireland will want to play its part in EU Security – McGrath

Ireland will “be anxious” to play its part in helping to strengthen the defence and security of the European Union. That’s according to Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath.

His comments follow last week’s agreement by European Leaders to massively increase defence spending and to shore up support for Ukraine.  European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen presented plans to spend up to eight hundred billion euro (€800bn) on building Europe’s defence capabilities. Commissioner McGrath says security and defence is a top EU priority given “the very changed geo-political landscape”.

Dur: 00:16