EU News Radio

Food now part of Kremlin’s “arsenal of terror” – Von der Leyen

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is reverberating around the world. And it’s leading to millions of people fearing they won’t be able to heat their homes or feed their children.  

That’s the grim assessment of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today.  

She told MEPs, we are facing a collision of a crisis which will amplify food insecurity and debt destress around the world. And she said the war in Ukraine is worsening the impact of problems caused by a range of factors from climate change to the pandemic.  

Out words: tolerate this

Dur: 00:27

Taoiseach “strongly” supports Ukraine EU membership

Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning expressed strong support for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union. He was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the topic of “This is Europe”.

He told MEPs the EU should support those countries that want to join the EU in undertaking the necessary reforms and preparations to become a member. And he said, further barriers should not be placed in their way when they meet the criteria for joining

Out words: is transformative

Dur: 00:21

Unilateral action on Protocol will be “deeply damaging” and mark “historic low point” – Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has condemned the British government for what he called its “bad faith efforts” to undermine a Treaty freely entered into.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg a short time ago, Micheál Martin said the European Union has worked hard to find ways to minimise the negative impacts of Brexit on businesses and citizens of Northern Ireland.

But he said, efforts to block agreements or introduce new problems have been seen instead of creating a constructive atmosphere for all to engage in.

Out words: International relations

Dur: 00:34

Ireland has “huge opportunities” to offer on renewables – EU Commissioner

The EU Commissioner for Energy says Ireland has “huge opportunities to offer” when it comes to developing renewable energy sources.

Kadri Simson made the comments during an address today to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. She told committee members the EU has to increase the renewable share in its energy mix to reach 45% by 2030.

Out words: Wild Atlantic Way

Dur: 00:33

EU Energy Commissioner to discuss Ireland’s high electricity costs – Simson

Ireland’s high electricity costs will be discussed by the EU’s Energy Commissioner during her trip here today and tomorrow. She says our electricity prices are higher than the EU average.

Kadri Simson’s two day visit includes a meeting with the Taoiseach and Minister Eamon Ryan. She’ll also appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate action (scheduled to start at 14:15 today)

The recent EU agreement to block most Russian oil imports by the end of the year is likely to lead to even higher energy costs. Commissioner Simson says the sanctions will have an economic impact despite being implemented over a period of time.

Out words: economic impact

Dur: 00:20

EU “doing everything” possible to help Ukrainian farmers – EU Commissioner

Russia must not be allowed to destroy Ukraine’s agricultural industry and “present themselves as a saviour of the world” against hunger.

That’s according to the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Janusz Wojciechowski is visiting Ireland today to attend the World Potato Congress in Dublin.

Commissioner Wojciechowski says the EU is “doing everything” possible to help Ukrainian farmers to export badly needed food like grain to other EU countries for storage.  

Out words: Ukrainian export

Dur: 00:34

EU Ag Commissioner to meet farmers & Minister on CAP plan

Irelands CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) strategic plan will be discussed during the EU Agriculture Commissioner’s visit to the country today.

Janusz Wojciechowski will attend the World Potato Congress taking  place in Dublin.  He’ll also meet Minister Charlie McConalogue to continue discussions on Ireland’s CAP plan which the Commission is currently analysing. 

Mr Wojciechowski will talk to IFA leaders before visiting farms in Dublin and Dunshaughlin. The Commissioner says it’s crucial to hear the views of Irish farmers ahead of the CAP plan being signed off. He wants to discuss animal welfare standards and the sustainability of the Irish live-stock sector during his trip here.  

Out words: of production 

Dur: 00:44

Interview EU Agriculture Commissioner on CAP/Irish farming & Ukraine

The EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss the Irish CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) strategic plan during his trip here tomorrow (Monday).

Janusz Wojciechowski will attend the World Potato Congress taking  place in Dublin.  He’ll also meet Minister Charlie McConalogue to continue discussions on Ireland’s CAP plan which has been submitted and which the Commission is scrutinising.

The Commissioner says he wants to discuss animal welfare standards and the sustainability of the Irish live-stock sector during his trip here.  He also says he wants to reassure Irish farmers that the EU doesn’t want to reduce animal farming in the bloc.

EU News Radio Editor, Karen Coleman spoke with the Commissioner ahead of his trip to Ireland. He explained why he was visiting the country and what he hopes to achieve during his trip here.

Out words: support Ukraine

Dur: 10:24

Sustainability & animal welfare standards on agenda of EU Ag Commissioner

The EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss the Irish CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) strategic plan during his trip here tomorrow (Monday).

Janusz Wojciechowski will attend the World Potato Congress taking  place in Dublin.  He’ll also meet Minister Charlie McConalogue to continue discussions on Ireland’s CAP strategic plan which has been submitted and which the Commission is analysing

The Commissioner says he wants to discuss animal welfare standards and the sustainability of the Irish live-stock sector during his trip here. He stresses he wants to reassure Irish farmers that the EU doesn’t want to reduce animal farming in the bloc.

Out words: welfare standards

Dur: 00:46

EU Ag Commissioner to meet Irish farmers on CAP during visit tomorrow (Monday)

The European Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development will meet Irish farmers during his visit here tomorrow (Monday) to attend the World Potato Congress.

Janusz Wojciechowski will meet Minister Charlie McConalogue to continue their discussions on the Irish CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) strategic plan. It will play a central role in shaping Irish farming over the coming years.

The Commissioner will also meet IFA leaders before visiting an organic vegetable farm in Dublin and a traditional family livestock farm in Dunshaughlin. The Commissioner says it’s crucial to hear the views of Irish farmers ahead of the CAP plan being signed-off.  

Out words: Irish farmers

Dur: 00:30