EU News Radio

EU warns UK to “abandon” NI Protocol Bill – Šefčovič

The EU today warned the UK to “abandon” its Northern Ireland Protocol Bill which is currently going through the British House of Lords. If implemented, it would override parts of the protocol and critics say it would breach international agreements.  

Technical negotiations between the EU and the UK on outstanding protocol issues, began again last month. And today the European Commission’s Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič, pleaded with the British government to ditch the bill.  

He was speaking at the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly which has been meeting in Westminster today.

Out words: this opportunity

Dur: 00:30

“Urgent action” needed to save planet EU COP27

World leaders, activists and thousands more will attend the UN’s climate change summit -  COP27 - which starts today in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik.  

The UN is warning only the most drastic cuts in carbon emissions from now will help prevent an environmental disaster.  

During the summit, the European Commission will call on all parties to take urgent action to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and respect commitments made under the 2015 Paris Agreement. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will represent the Commission at the World Leaders' Summit that officially opens COP27. 

The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, explains what the Commission will be calling for at the climate summit.

Out words: the planet

Dur: 00:41

EU to push for “urgent” action on climate targets at COP27

The EU will push for an increased global effort to tackle climate change at the COP27 event which starts this weekend in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.  

The European Commission says urgent action is needed to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. It’s calling on all parties to respect commitments made under the 2015 Paris Agreement. It aims to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below two degrees above pre-industrial levels.

This year’s COP27 takes place against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, spiralling costs and an energy crisis.

The head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan, says it’s “absolutely critical” that the climate agenda is kept at the top of the world’s political priorities.

Out words:  them all

Dur: 00:27

Russia is “systematically” destroying Ukraine – Borrell

The EU’s foreign policy chief says the EU has to support Ukraine more than ever including providing arms to help the Ukrainians to defend themselves. Josep Borrell was speaking in Munster in Germany during a meeting of G7 ministers.

Speaking this evening, he said “we have a moral duty” to support the Ukrainians who are fighting to defend their country.

Out words: winter time

Dur: 00:34

Covid 19 deaths & infections rising – EMA

A new wave of Covid 19 is on the way and cases of the virus and number of people dying from it, are increasing. That’s according to the European Medicines Agency which is urging people to get vaccinated or revaccinated against the virus.

The EMA’s Dr Marco Cavaleri, this morning said a new wave of Covid 19 is expected shortly.  

Out words: severe disease

Dur: 00:47

EU citizens urged to “get protected” against upcoming Covid C19 wave – EMA

The European Medicines Agency is urging European citizens to get vaccinated or revaccinated against Covid 19 with cases of the virus increasing.

Speaking this morning, the EMA’s Dr Marco Cavaleri, said they’re seeing a “general increase” in Covid 19 cases and deaths in the EU and wider economic area. He said infections and hospitalisations are rising in people aged 65 and older. Dr Cavaleri made the announcement exactly one thousand days since the WHO declared Covid 19 a “public health emergency of international concern”.

He warned a new wave of Covid 19 is expected in the coming weeks. And he urged people to get protected especially those whose health puts them at high risk of severe disease.

Out words: severe disease

Dur: 00:30

“All hands on deck” needed for Ukraine reconstruction - VDL

The President of the European Commission has appealed for a global response to help Ukraine rebuild itself after the devastation of the Russian war.

Ursula von der Leyen made the appeal today in Berlin at an international conference on the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine.  She said she’s working hard with EU countries to secure 1.5 billion euro (€1.5bn) every month to help Ukraine pay essential running costs such as salaries and pensions.  

And she pleaded for “the best and brightest” to begin work as soon as possible on the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

Out words: many more 

Dur: 00:33

“Europeans should buy gas together” – VDL

Europeans should buy gas together to fight Vladimir Putin’s war on European energy. So said the head of the European Commission this morning when she addressed MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs the best response to what she called Putin’s “gas blackmail” is European solidarity and European unity. She was outlining details of the Commission’s latest measures to address the energy crisis. A key recommendation is joint gas buying among EU countries to help deal with high energy costs and ensure security of supply. 

Out words: a must

Dur: 00:46

Russian attacks on Ukraine infrastructure “acts of pure terror” – von der Leyen

The latest round of Russian targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine marks a new chapter in an “already very cruel war”.

That’s according to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. She was speaking this morning in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. President von der Leyen told MEPs this is the moment to “stay the course” and that the EU will back Ukraine for as long as it takes.  

Out words: pure terror

Dur: 00:19

EU proposes joint purchasing of gas – Von der Leyen

The European Commission is recommending joint gas buying among EU countries to help deal with high energy costs and ensure security of supply.  

The proposal is part of a package of emergency measures which includes establishing a “complementary” benchmark for the price of liquified natural gas or LNG. But the Commission steered clear of proposing an immediate cap on the price of gas.  

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is strong when it acts together and that joint gas purchasing should “become operational”.

Out words: purchase gas

Dur: 00:34