EU News Radio

EU Ag simplification plans “balanced and pragmatic” – Hansen

Proposals to simplify EU Agricultural rules and boost farmers’ incomes were discussed today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Last May the European Commission presented a simplification package of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This  followed calls to alleviate excessive administrative reporting and regulatory burdens on farmers and other agri-food sectors.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen today told MEPs, the Commission’s simplification proposals were balanced and pragmatic. 

Dur: 00:23

EU “welcomes” Trump’s Gaza peace plan – Commissioner Šuica

The EU welcomes the United States’s “twenty- point” peace plan for Gaza which presents a “credible framework” for peace in the Middle East. That’s according to EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica who was speaking in the European Parliament today during a debate on Gaza. 

US President Donald Trump announced his roadmap for peace in Gaza last Monday. It includes a plan for the release of hostages held there and for the demilitarisation of Hamas. Commissioner Šuica told MEPs, Europe’s goal “has always been the same, real security for Israel and a safe, present and future for all Palestinians”.

Dur: 00:19

Situation for Jewish Europeans “getting worse” – EU

The European Commission today condemned rising antisemitism in Europe which it says is everywhere from our schools and streets to online platforms.  

EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Jewish Europeans are being held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government, which he said was unacceptable. Commissioner Brunner’s comments follow the recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester.

Dur: 00:13

Free Trade deals lead to “massive surge” in trade – Šefčovič

The EU’s Trade Commissioner says all of the Free Trade deals the EU has negotiated with other countries, have led to increased prosperity, trade and jobs. Maroš Šefčovič made the comments in Dublin this morning. He’s been visiting Ireland for a series of events, including this morning’s conference on trade and economic security held at Dublin’s Europe House. Commissioner Šefčovič told the conference, the EU has forty four free trade deals with more than seventy countries and more deals are being struck.

Dur: 00:20

Ireland an exporting “superpower” – Šefčovič

Ireland is an exporting “superpower” and our products will always be on the “top shelf” of countries we trade with. That’s according to EU trade boss, Maroš Šefčovič. He made the comments this morning at a trade and economic conference in Dublin’s Europe House. Commissioner Šefčovič says Ireland has strong businesses in almost all walks in life from distilleries in Dublin to pharmaceutical factories in Westport. And he says Ireland is an agri-food exporting superpower.

Dur:00:24

EU “listened” to Irish concerns on Mercosur – Šefčovič

The EU’s Trade Commissioner says he’s listened “very, very carefully” to the position of the Irish government on the EU Mercosur Trade Deal. Speaking this morning in Dublin, Maroš Šefčovič said the Commission has been in close contact with representatives of Irish farmers. And he says they’ve worked on additional safeguards to protect sensitive Irish and European products against harmful surges of imports from the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.)

 

 

Mercosur “major gain” for beef industry - EC Ireland

The Mercosur Trade Agreement is “a major gain” for the farming industry that will reduce tariffs and taxes on a whole range of products including dairy products. That’s according to the head of the European Commission in Ireland, Peter Power. 

On Wednesday, the Commission formally proposed the deal for approval by the European Council. Members of the European Parliament will also vote on the agreement with the four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).

Peter Power says the Commission has introduced a range of measures that have addressed farmers’ concerns about the massive trade deal. 

Dur: 00:14

 

Farmers’ concerns on Mercosur “addressed” - EC Ireland

The European Commission says it’s introduced a range of measures that have addressed farmers’ concerns about the EU Mercosur Trade Agreement. The Commission today formally proposed the deal for approval by the European Council. Members of the European Parliament will also vote on the agreement with the four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). 

Peter Power, Head of the European Commission in Ireland says the Commission has listened to farmers and taken the necessary steps to resolve their concerns. 

Dur: 00:40

Social media negatively impacting mental health of young - Eurofound

Problematic social media use among children, especially among young girls, has increased significantly in Europe since 2018. And it’s a particular concern in some EU countries like Ireland. That’s according to a new report on Mental Health in Europe that’s just been published by the Dublin-based EU institution, Eurofound.

The report found that while moderate use of digital tools can foster social connections, overuse “presents a clear risk”. 

Mary McCaughey, Head of Communications with Eurofound, explains. 

Dur: 00:23

 

Suicide “leading cause of death” among young in Europe - Eurofound

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Europe. And more fifteen to twenty nine year olds (15-29) die of suicide than in traffic collisions. That’s according to a new report on Mental Health in Europe that’s just been published by the Dublin-based EU institution, Eurofound.

The report found the long-term decline in suicide death rates across the EU has stalled. Eurofound says the findings mark “an alarming reflection of poor mental health in Europe”. 

Mary McCaughey, Head of Communications with Eurofound explains.  

Dur: 00:29