EU News Radio

Ireland punching “far above” weight & size since Jan 73 – O’Connell EMI

Fifty years ago today, Ireland officially became a member of what was then the European Economic Community along with Denmark and the UK.

A year earlier (January 22^nd), Ireland’s Treaty of Accession was signed by Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Minister for Foreign Affairs Patrick Hillery in Brussels. Then in May 1972, an overwhelming majority of Irish people voted to join the bloc.

Noelle O’Connell of European Movement Ireland, says fifty years on the country is transformed.

Out words: Union membership

Dur: 00:50

Ireland “fundamentally transformed” since joining EEC – O’Connell

Today (1/01/2023) marks the fiftieth anniversary of Ireland joining what was then the EEC (European Economic Community).

Ireland’s official membership of the EEC followed a referendum in May 1972 when Irish people voted emphatically to join the bloc. Since then, the country has “fundamentally transformed” according to Noelle O’Connell, the CEO of European Movement Ireland.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:38

ECJ rules on “AirBnB tax” information and collection obligations

The European Court of Justice has found EU law does not preclude the requirement for short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, to collect information or withhold tax under a national tax regime. Europe’s highest court this morning announced its ruling on a case brought by the Italian Council of State.

The case was taken to the ECJ, after AirBnB Ireland and AirBnB Payments UK challenged a 2017 Italian law that requires rental agents or intermediaries including online portals, to withhold tax from individuals renting out their properties on a short-term basis. This morning the ECJ declared the Italian law is compatible with EU directives when it comes to imposing certain tax obligations on short-term rent collectors.  

Jacques Rene-Zammit, spokesperson for the ECJ explains.

Out words: can remain

Dur: 00:30

EU extends current arrangements on Movement of Vet Meds from GB-NI

The European Commission today announced it has taken steps to ensure the continuity of supplies of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (and Cyprus, Ireland and Malta) to December 2025.

There were growing concerns in Northern Ireland about what would happen to the supply of veterinary medicines from Great Britain once the current arrangements ran out at the end of this year.

Today the Commission’s vice-president Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ said the decision to extend those arrangements was a “practical solution to a practical problem”.

Out words: to adapt

Dur: 01:20

EU extends supply of Vet Meds to NI grace period to 2025 - ŠEFČOVIČ

The European Commission today announced it has taken steps to ensure the continuity of supplies of veterinary medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (and Cyprus, Ireland and Malta) to December 2025.

There were growing concerns in Northern Ireland about what would happen to the supply of veterinary medicines from Great Britain once the current grace period ran out at the end of this year.

Today the Commission’s vice-president Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ said the decision means citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland will continue to be able to buy veterinary medical products from within the United Kingdom.

Out words: to adapt

Dur: 00:23

European ‘IRA’ in global green race

A global green tech race is underway and Europe must not be left behind – that’s according to the President of the European Commission.

 

In a speech to the European Parliament this morning, Ursula von der Leyen warned that the American's Inflation Reduction Act, or 'IRA', could undermine Europe’s green transition.

 

She said as well as lobbying the US to play fair, Europe must also “rethink” and respond with its own injection of support for green industries here.

 

Out words: European IRA

Dur: 0’17”

Trust of Europeans violated - Commissioner

The trust of the people of Europe has been violated - that's according to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs. 

 

Four people – including a member of the European Parliament – have been arrested by Belgian authorities investigating corruption and money laundering.

 

Hundreds of thousands of Euro in cash have been ceased by police.

 

In light of the scandal, the European Commission is pushing for an EU ethics body to scrutinise the activities of officials and politicians. 

 

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this afternoon, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said she was appalled by the allegations.

 

Out words:  Not your own
Dur: 0’24”

 

SHORT OUT

Out words: Shame on you
Dur: 0’11”

Commissioner received football and chocs from Qatar

A European Commissioner has revealed that he received a football and chocolates from Qatar when he visited for the opening of the World Cup.
 
It comes as the EU is facing intense scrutiny in light of allegations of corruption against four people including a member of the European Parliament.
 
Questions have also been raised about Sports Commissioner, Margaritis Schinas, because of his recent visit to Qatar, and his praise for Qatar’s “far-reaching reforms”.
 
But there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on his part.
 
Speaking this afternoon in Strasbourg, Commissioner Schinas, stood by his public record and said people were right to be angry about the scandal. 

 

Out words:  Has been lost

Dur: 0’32”

Need to harmonise corporate insolvency rules – McGuinness EU

Irish Commissioner Mairead McGuinness says there’s a need to harmonise certain corporate insolvency rules across the EU.

The European Commission today announced a range of measures to further develop the EU’s Capital Markets Union. The proposals include a targeted harmonisation of insolvency proceeding rules across all EU countries.  The aim is to make them more efficient and to help promote cross-border investment.

Speaking in Brussels today, Commissioner McGuinness said at the moment different insolvency rules apply in different member states.

Out words: the duration

Dur: 00:14

EU Commissioner praises Donohoe’s Eurogroup presidency

The European Economy Commissioner this evening praised Minister Paschal Donohoe for his presidency of the Eurogroup over the last two and a half years. Minister Donohoe was re-elected by consensus as President of the Eurogroup earlier today. He will serve a second term of two and a half years starting from January the 13^th next.

Speaking this evening in Brussels, Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni paid tribute to Minister Donohoe.

Out words: this leadership

Dur: 00:25