EU News Radio

“All hands on deck” needed for Ukraine reconstruction - VDL

The President of the European Commission has appealed for a global response to help Ukraine rebuild itself after the devastation of the Russian war.

Ursula von der Leyen made the appeal today in Berlin at an international conference on the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine.  She said she’s working hard with EU countries to secure 1.5 billion euro (€1.5bn) every month to help Ukraine pay essential running costs such as salaries and pensions.  

And she pleaded for “the best and brightest” to begin work as soon as possible on the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

Out words: many more 

Dur: 00:33

“Europeans should buy gas together” – VDL

Europeans should buy gas together to fight Vladimir Putin’s war on European energy. So said the head of the European Commission this morning when she addressed MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs the best response to what she called Putin’s “gas blackmail” is European solidarity and European unity. She was outlining details of the Commission’s latest measures to address the energy crisis. A key recommendation is joint gas buying among EU countries to help deal with high energy costs and ensure security of supply. 

Out words: a must

Dur: 00:46

Russian attacks on Ukraine infrastructure “acts of pure terror” – von der Leyen

The latest round of Russian targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine marks a new chapter in an “already very cruel war”.

That’s according to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. She was speaking this morning in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. President von der Leyen told MEPs this is the moment to “stay the course” and that the EU will back Ukraine for as long as it takes.  

Out words: pure terror

Dur: 00:19

EU proposes joint purchasing of gas – Von der Leyen

The European Commission is recommending joint gas buying among EU countries to help deal with high energy costs and ensure security of supply.  

The proposal is part of a package of emergency measures which includes establishing a “complementary” benchmark for the price of liquified natural gas or LNG. But the Commission steered clear of proposing an immediate cap on the price of gas.  

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is strong when it acts together and that joint gas purchasing should “become operational”.

Out words: purchase gas

Dur: 00:34

 

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”