EU News Radio

EU proposes new measures for energy crisis – Von der Leyen

The European Commission announced a range of new measures this week to tackle soaring energy prices and security of supply.

The proposals include joint gas purchasing, solidarity between Member states and gas savings initiatives. The Commission is also recommending a new “complementary” benchmark for the price of liquified natural gas or LNG. It says the existing benchmark system known as the TTF (Title Transfer Facility) is influenced by “Russian manipulation of natural gas supplies to the EU”.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, explained why they're recommending a new benchmark for LNG. 

Out words: 00:40

Dur: filling season

EU to produce more energy measures on Tuesday – Simson SHORT

The European Commission will announce a new suite of measures to deal with the energy crisis next Tuesday.

The EU’s Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said next week’s proposals will contain four elements that will help lower prices and reinforce solidarity and security of energy supply. The proposals will include more gas reduction measures, common purchasing of gas and solidarity mechanisms for regions facing a larger supply crunch than others.

Commissioner Simson said they’re also preparing an “alternative” benchmark for gas prices which would be in place for the next “filling season”. But she said a temporary mechanism may be needed if negotiations to limit energy costs don’t happen fast enough.      

Out words: inevitably entails

Dur: 00:17

EU to produce more energy measures on Tuesday – Simson

The European Commission will announce a new suite of measures to deal with the energy crisis next Tuesday. Energy ministers met in Prague yesterday but no agreement was reached on capping gas prices. Some governments believe a price cap could have significant consequences.

The EU’s Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said next week’s proposals will contain four elements that will help lower prices and reinforce solidarity and security of energy supply. The proposals will include more gas reduction measures, common purchasing of gas and solidarity mechanisms for situations where some regions face a larger supply crunch than others.

The Commissioner said they are also preparing an “alternative” benchmark for gas prices as the current one artificially inflates energy prices.

Out words: inevitably entails

Dur: 00:35

“People will die of hunger” because of Ukraine war – EU Borrell

Millions of people around the world face a “dramatic situation” because of the war in Ukraine and the consequences of climate change.

That’s according to the EU’s Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. He was speaking this morning at the launch of the new European Diplomatic Academy in Bruges in Belgium.  

Mr Borrell said shipments of desperately-needed grain are being held up in the Black Sea because of the war.  

Out words: for control

Dur: 00:31

European Political Community for security and peace - Michel

European leaders have begun arriving in Prague for the first meeting of the European Political Community. More than forty heads of state and government are taking part including the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister and the President of Turkey. Arriving at Prague castle a short time ago, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said he has high hopes for the new forum.

 

SHORT PLAY

Out words: More peace

Dur: 0’14”

 

LONG PLAY

Out words: First positive signal
Dur: 0’27”

Ireland ”stress test” after Nord Stream explosions

Ireland’s pipelines and undersea cables will be ‘stress tested’ and security stepped up – the EU has announced. As an island, Ireland has numerous undersea gas, electricity and internet cables connecting us to the continent, the UK and beyond. In light of the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced a programme of testing to check whether Europe's critical infrastructure is really secure.

 

Out words: Really work
Dur: 0’27”

New sanctions expected this morning

Title: New sanctions expected this morning
 
Audio clip: Josep Borrell (EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs) speaking through an interpreter

 
Produced by: EU News Radio 
 
Intro script:

New EU sanctions against Russia are expected to be agreed this morning. Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states including Ireland have been negotiating the details. It is expected the new sanctions will target individuals who supported Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions. There will also be a cap on Russian oil prices. And more high-tech goods made in Europe will be banned from export to Russia. Speaking in the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg this morning, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said a deal was close to being struck.

 

Out words: Within the Council

Dur: 0’13”

EU threatens Ireland with highest legal action on illegal peat cutting

The European Commission is threatening to take Ireland to the European Court of Justice if it fails to stop illegal peat extraction in protected areas. The Commission today called on Ireland to take action to stop the ongoing cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs under the EU Habitats Directive. The Commission says peat cutting activities in these areas are still ongoing and enforcement action by the Irish authorities “appears to have stalled”.

Ireland now has two months to respond to the Commission’s latest legal proceedings. Otherwise it may decide to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice.

European Commission spokesperson Adalbert Jahnz (Yans) says it is “extremely important” to protect bogs in Ireland.

Out words: those sites

Dur: 00:50

 

Commission warns Ireland on illegal peat cutting in protected sites

The European Commission today took further legal action against Ireland for failing to halt the cutting of peat within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

It’s calling on Ireland to take action to stop the ongoing cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs under the EU Habitats Directive. The Commission says peat and turf cutting activities in these areas are still ongoing and enforcement action by the Irish authorities “appears to have stalled”.

Ireland now has two months to respond to the Commission’s latest legal proceedings. Otherwise it may decide to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice.

Adalbert Jahnz a spokesperson for the European Commission, explains why the Commission is taking further legal steps against Ireland.

Out words: carbon sink

Dur: 00:19

“Adequate” minimum income needed to tackle rising poverty – EU

The European Commission today called for an adequate minimum income across the EU to help poor people deal with rising inflation and soaring food and energy bills. The Commission is proposing that all EU countries modernise their income support schemes to support those at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

According to the Commission, around twenty percent (20%) of jobless people who fall into the poverty trap, are not eligible to receive any income support. And up to half of those eligible for minimum income schemes, are not availing of them.

The EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social rights Nicolas Schmit, today said more than one in five people in the EU are at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

Out words: labour market

Dur: 00:16