EU News Radio

Donohoe re-elected Eurogroup President

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has been re-elected by consensus as President of the Eurogroup. He will serve a second term of two and a half years starting from January the 13^th next. The vote took place at today’s Eurogroup meeting in Brussels. Minister Donohoe was the only candidate up for the position.

Speaking a short time ago in Brussels he had this to say on his re-election.

Out words: of times

Dur: 00:29

 

EU boss reflects on Jack Lynch’s EU optimism

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen referred to the “optimism” of former Taoiseach Jack Lynch during her address to both houses of the Oireachtas today. She was reflecting on Jack Lynch’s support of Ireland’s membership of the bloc during the 1972 referendum on it.

President von der Leyen heaped praise on Ireland during her speech saying the country has made Europe a “better place”. And she said she wanted to thank the Irish people for everything they’ve brought to the Union over the last fifty years.

Out words: European Union 

Dur: 01:26

“Progress” possible on Brexit Protocol issues – von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says Brexit has thrust Ireland and the rest of the EU closer together. Ursula von der Leyen made the comments during an address to both houses of the Oireachtas today.  

She said Ireland has benefited from what she called the “iron-clad” solidarity of the Union and its members states. And she told the Oireachtas, “Brexit will not become an obstacle on the path of reconciliation in Ireland”.

The EU boss even prompted laughter from members when she quoted a line from (Irish band) The Saw Doctors.

Out words: of Ireland (with laughter)

Dur: 02:05

EU boss thanks Irish for “opening” hearts & homes to Ukrainians

The President of the European Commission has paid tribute to the Irish people for accommodating Ukrainians fleeing the war in their own country.

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking in Dublin today after being greeted by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin before her address to the Oireachtas. President von der Leyen thanked people here for helping Ukrainian refugees and she praised Micheál Martin for his handling of the pandemic crisis.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:32

From “Flying taxis” to grocery deliveries in Dublin – Drones

By the end of the decade we might all be getting “flying taxis” to destinations in urban areas. The European Commission today announced plans to fully automate small aircraft that would transport passengers and goods and cut down on travel time.

It’s all part of an updated EU Drones Strategy which sets out a vision for the further development of the European Drone market. Drones in Europe are currently being used for a range of services from monitoring oil spills, to delivering groceries in Dublin.

The Commission is hoping pilotless transport will be offered at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. Speaking today, the European Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean, said drones provide many valuable services today.

Out words: requirements

Dur: 00:44

EU approves €1.22bn Irish support of companies struggling with high costs

The European Commission today approved a one point twenty two billion euro (€1.22billion) Irish scheme to support companies across a range of sectors who’re experiencing record-high energy costs because of the war in Ukraine.

The aid will take the form of direct grants. It will be open to companies of all sizes active in all sectors that are affected by the crisis except credit and financial institutions. The scheme will run initially until the end of next February but it could be extended until the end of April (2023).

Arianna Podesta, spokeswoman with the European Commission, explains

Out words: previous year

Dur: 00:22

“Risks” of gas price cap proposals to be followed closely – EU

The risks of imposing gas price caps proposed by the European Commission yesterday, will be followed closely. That’s according to the European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson who outlined details of the plans to MEPs in Strasbourg this morning.

The proposed “market correction mechanism” would enable the bloc to automatically intervene in gas markets in cases of severe price hikes.

However critics say it’s unlikely ever to be used because it can only be triggered under extreme circumstances.  Speaking today in the European Parliament, Commissioner Simson said the price cap plans were designed to protect EU markets against significant gas price spikes.

Out words: conclusions

Dur: 00:38

Europe ministers to get Brexit update

Irish-UK relations have “much improved”, now it needs to translate into progress on the Northern Ireland protocol issue, says Ireland’s Europe Minister. Thomas Byrne has been speaking this morning in Brussels ahead of a meeting with his EU counterparts where Brexit is on the agenda.

 

Out words: See that soon

Dur: 0’19”

EU sends winter aid as Ukraine feels first snow chill

The EU is building up strategic reserves to send to Ukraine – that’s according to the European Commissioner for Crisis Management. Russian missile strikes have continued to target energy infrastructure in recent days. Freezing temperatures and snow is forecast for today. The EU has been sending vital supplies to keep people warm, as well as equipment to help repair water and electricity. Speaking from the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre earlier, Commissioner Lenarčič said the European Union has been preparing for months for the arrival of winter in Ukraine.

 

Out words: Civilian infrastructure

Dur: 0’49”

EU to train and equip 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers

Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are set to undergo military training in the European Union. The mission was agreed by EU defence ministers meeting in Brussels today. Ministers also decided to allocate €16 million from the EU budget to equip recruits with weapons and ammunition. Poland, Germany and Spain are all expected to host Ukrainian armed forces personnel. The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, says the training will start straight away.

 

Out words: In this mission

Dur: 0’16”