EU News Radio

Stormont Brake part of new Windsor Framework – VDL

A so-called “Stormont Brake” will be part of the new Windsor Framework which replaces the Northern Ireland Protocol. The deal was announced today following a meeting in Windsor between EU boss Ursula von der Leyen and the British PM Rishi Sunak. The deal includes a new emergency mechanism called the Stormont Brake.

It will allow the UK government, at the request of 30 Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to stop the application of Protocol-related EU laws or provisions in Northern Ireland that may have “a significant and lasting impact” on the people there.  

However, President von der Leyen today stressed the European Court of Justice would remain the sole and ultimate arbiter of EU law.

Out words: for us

Dur: 01:12

EU-UK strike new “Windsor Framework” deal for NI – VDL

The EU and UK have agreed a deal on post-Brexit trading rules for Northern Ireland. The new “Windsor Framework” will replace the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The deal was announced this afternoon following a meeting in Windsor between the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

President von der Leyen said the new Windsor Framework lays down “new arrangements” on Ireland, Northern Ireland. And she said, it provides for “long-lasting solutions” that will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Out words: our society   

Dur: 00:25

European Commission suspends Tik Tok from devices – EU

The European Commission has suspended the use of the social media app Tik Tok on its corporate devices and on the private devices of staff using them for Commission purposes. The Commission says its introduced the suspension to protect the institution against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyber-attacks against it.

Speaking this morning, Commission spokesperson Sonya Gospodinova, explained the reason behind the suspension.

Out words: daily work

Dur: 00:19

Brexit talks “good progress” but not at finishing line – Šefčovič

The EU has made “good progress” with the UK on the Northern Ireland protocol talks and they can clearly see “the finishing line”. But being close doesn’t mean being done.

That’s according to the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič who was speaking in Brussels earlier.  Mr Šefčovič said discussions are continuing at full speed and that space is needed to achieve a successful outcome.

Out words: of Northern Ireland

Dur: 00:33

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