EU News Radio

Save gas to prepare for cuts EU proposes - Von der Leyen

The European Commission today proposed new plans to reduce gas consumption in the EU by fifteen percent (15%) from the beginning of August until next Spring.

All consumers, public administrations, households, owners of public buildings, power suppliers and industry are being advised to take measures to save gas. The Commission is also proposing a “Union Alert” which could impose a mandatory gas reduction on all member states. That could be triggered if there’s a severe gas shortage or an exceptionally high gas demand.    

The Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said the EU has to prepare for a “potential full disruption” of gas supplies from Russia which she said would hit the whole bloc.

Out words: protect us

Dur: 00:22

Von der Leyen’s Covid-Pfizer text messages request “wake up call” – Ombudsman

The European Commission’s handling of requests for text messages about Covid 19 vaccines between the EU boss and pharma giant Pfizer’s CEO is a “wake up call” for the EU.

That’s according to the EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly. She was referring to her inquiry into the Commission’s responses to requests for text messages between Ursula von der Leyen and Albert Bourla.  The exchanges took place during the height of the pandemic and they led to a lucrative deal for the much-needed vaccines.

The Ombudsman began an inquiry last year following a request by a journalist to access the texts after the Commission did not give details of them. This week she upheld her finding of maladministration against the Commission for failing to provide access to the text messages.

Emily O’Reilly says work-related text and instant messages should be recognised as EU documents.

Out words: maladministration

Dur: 00:23

Record inflation and slower growth forecast for EU economies

Slower economic growth is forecast for EU economies with record inflation to peak this year. That's according to the European Commission which today published its summer economic forecast. 

The EU executive said the euro area economy is forecast to grow by 2.6 percent (2.6%) this year but only 1.4 percent (1.4%) next year. The bloc as a whole will grow by 2.7 percent (2.7%) this year and 1.5 percent (1.5%) in 2023 according to the Commission. 
 
Annual average inflation is projected to peak at historical highs this year at 7.6 percent (7.6%) in the euro area and 8.3 percent (8.3%) in the EU. But inflation is forecast to ease next year to 4 percent (4.%) in the euro zone and 4.6% in the EU as a whole. 
 
The European Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to “send shockwaves through the global economy”.  And he said Moscow’s actions are disrupting energy and grain supplies, pushing up prices and weakening confidence. 
 
Out words: previous forecast 
 
Dur: 00:41

Croatia given EU green light to join euro – Paschal Donohoe

EU finance ministers have given Croatia the final green light to join the Eurozone in January next year.

Croatia will become the 20^th country to adopt the euro when it switches from the Kuna on January 1^st 2023. The occasion was marked by an official euro adoption ceremony in Brussels today.

During the ceremony, (in a video message) Paschal Donohoe Eurogroup President (and Irish Finance Minister), said Croatia’s accession to the eurozone, was due to the hard work, focus and preparation by its people and government.

Out words: euro area

Dur: 00:21

EU wants stable relationship with UK – Sefcovic

The EU has urged the UK to drop its Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

The bill would change most of the terms of the protocol agreed between the EU and UK.

It comes as Boris Johnson faces intense pressure from many within his own party to resign.

The EU is watching developments closely.

European Commission Vice President, Maroš Šefčovič, resisted the temptation to pass comment on the Downing Street turmoil directly, but said he wants EU-UK relations to reach a stable footing.

Out words:  And ratified
Dur: 0’23”

EU must prepare for total cut-off – von der Leyen

The EU is preparing a “European Emergency Plan” in case Russia cuts off gas entirely, Ursula von der Leyen announced this morning.

Twelve member states are already receiving less gas than expected, she said.

Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament this morning, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned supplies may have to be prioritised.

 

Long clip for play in programmes over next few days:

Out words:  The worst
Dur: 1’15”

McGuinness defends gas and nuclear status

Mairead McGuinness has defended EU plans to designate gas and nuclear power as ‘transition’ fuels.

Changing their status would allow fossil fuels and nuclear to be eligible for new investment.

Environmental groups are pushing for the European Parliament to reject any relabelling which they fear will lead to the climate being sacrificed.

The vote will take place tomorrow (Wednesday).

Speaking during the debate this afternoon in Strasbourg, European Commissioner for financial affairs, Mairead McGuinness, stood by the plans, saying the transition will help countries shift to cleaner energy.

Out words:  Of the taxonomy

Dur: 0’23”

(Early out: 0’14”)

Europe must battle cost of living crisis together - Schmit

Europe is close to becoming a “war economy” and we should intervene to help businesses and citizens – that’s according to the EU’s Jobs Commissioner.

 

Nicolas Schmit was speaking a short time ago to open a debate on the cost of living taking place now in the European Parliament.

 

The Commissioner said the crisis is being fuelled by speculation and inflation, particularly for food and energy.

 

He says there is an exceptional need to act to support both companies and individuals.

 

Out words:  Are going through

Dur: 0’17”

Cheaper motor insurance on cards following EU decision on Insurance Ireland

Drivers may be in line for cheaper car insurance following moves by the European Commission to make Insurance Ireland adhere to fair competition practices.  

Last year the Commission found that Insurance Ireland delayed or denied access to its data exchange system to insurers based in other EU countries. Its Insurance link contains important information for companies offering motor vehicle insurance services in Ireland.

Today the Commission announced it has made commitments by Insurance Ireland to provide access to its data system to other insurers, legally binding under EU antitrust rules. European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta said this should ultimately benefit consumers in Ireland.

Out words: go down

Dur: 00:27

EU-New Zealand Trade Agreement talks conclude –Von der Leyen

Talks on a new free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand were concluded today. Negotiations to strike a deal between the two regions began in 2018.  

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today’s deal is “a solid” and “modern trade agreement” and she said it marked a “historic moment”.

Out words: thirty percent  

Dur: 00:20