EU News Radio

Commission proposes stepping-up of “cooperation” with NATO

The European Commission is proposing a stepping up of EU cooperation with NATO and partner countries. The proposal is part of a new European Security and Defence Package to improve the EU’s ability to defend itself and its values.  

The package includes a new EU cyber defence policy to improve the bloc’s capacity to protect both military and civilian assets from cyberattacks. It also contains proposals to enable armed forces and military equipment to move better and faster across EU borders when a crisis hits.

Speaking today at the launch of the package, the EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the Russian war on Ukraine and the recent cyber-attacks on strategic assets were wake-up calls for all of us.

Out words: our neighbourhoods

Dur: 00:34

Commission presents new Security & Defence Package – Vestager

The European Commission today presented a new Security and Defence Package to improve the EU’s ability to defend itself and its values.  

The package includes a new EU cyber defence policy to improve the bloc’s capacity to protect both military and civilian assets from cyberattacks. It also contains proposals to enable armed forces and military equipment to move better and faster across EU borders when a crisis hits. And it includes provisions to “step-up” cooperation with NATO and partner countries.

Speaking today at the launch of the package, the EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the Commission was “stepping up its contribution to European defence”.

Out words: everyday life

Dur: 00:20

Global fossil fuel crisis “must be a game changer” - VDL

The President of the European Commission has called for the acceleration and scaling up of renewable energies to help the planet and achieve independence and security of energy supply.  Ursula von der Leyen was speaking at the COP27 climate change summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

She told delegates the EU is “massively accelerating” the rollout of renewables. And she said the bloc will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

The EU boss also warned that those most in need in the developing world must be supported in adapting to a harsher climate.

Out words: of supply

Dur: 01:09

“Let us not take the highway to hell” – VDL

The President of the European Commission has called for the acceleration and scaling up of renewable energies to help the planet and achieve independence and security of energy supply.  

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking at the COP27 climate change summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. She told the conference, the EU is “massively accelerating” the rollout of renewables. And she said, the bloc could reach an all-time record of additional renewable capacity next year, if it speeds up the development of clean energy like solar, wind and green hydrogen.

Out words: our responsibility roll-out

Dur: 00:14

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