EU News Radio

New sanctions expected this morning

Title: New sanctions expected this morning
 
Audio clip: Josep Borrell (EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs) speaking through an interpreter

 
Produced by: EU News Radio 
 
Intro script:

New EU sanctions against Russia are expected to be agreed this morning. Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states including Ireland have been negotiating the details. It is expected the new sanctions will target individuals who supported Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions. There will also be a cap on Russian oil prices. And more high-tech goods made in Europe will be banned from export to Russia. Speaking in the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg this morning, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said a deal was close to being struck.

 

Out words: Within the Council

Dur: 0’13”

EU threatens Ireland with highest legal action on illegal peat cutting

The European Commission is threatening to take Ireland to the European Court of Justice if it fails to stop illegal peat extraction in protected areas. The Commission today called on Ireland to take action to stop the ongoing cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs under the EU Habitats Directive. The Commission says peat cutting activities in these areas are still ongoing and enforcement action by the Irish authorities “appears to have stalled”.

Ireland now has two months to respond to the Commission’s latest legal proceedings. Otherwise it may decide to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice.

European Commission spokesperson Adalbert Jahnz (Yans) says it is “extremely important” to protect bogs in Ireland.

Out words: those sites

Dur: 00:50

 

Commission warns Ireland on illegal peat cutting in protected sites

The European Commission today took further legal action against Ireland for failing to halt the cutting of peat within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

It’s calling on Ireland to take action to stop the ongoing cutting of peat in areas designated to conserve raised bogs and blanket bogs under the EU Habitats Directive. The Commission says peat and turf cutting activities in these areas are still ongoing and enforcement action by the Irish authorities “appears to have stalled”.

Ireland now has two months to respond to the Commission’s latest legal proceedings. Otherwise it may decide to refer Ireland to the EU Court of Justice.

Adalbert Jahnz a spokesperson for the European Commission, explains why the Commission is taking further legal steps against Ireland.

Out words: carbon sink

Dur: 00:19

“Adequate” minimum income needed to tackle rising poverty – EU

The European Commission today called for an adequate minimum income across the EU to help poor people deal with rising inflation and soaring food and energy bills. The Commission is proposing that all EU countries modernise their income support schemes to support those at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

According to the Commission, around twenty percent (20%) of jobless people who fall into the poverty trap, are not eligible to receive any income support. And up to half of those eligible for minimum income schemes, are not availing of them.

The EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social rights Nicolas Schmit, today said more than one in five people in the EU are at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

Out words: labour market

Dur: 00:16

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness on the energy crisis

Energy ministers will meet next week (on Friday the 30^th ) to discuss EU proposals to deal with the energy crisis.

Last week the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recommended a number of initiatives for member states to tackle soaring energy costs.

They include mandatory cuts of electricity use at peak hours and imposing windfall taxes on energy companies making “excess revenues” from low-cost electricity generation.

Well Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness,  spoke to Karen Coleman Editor of EU News Radio, about the energy crisis and the EU proposals on it. Here’s that interview.

Out words: most needed

Dur: 05:29

Channel “excessive” profits from energy companies to vulnerable – McGuinness

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness says the excess profits from companies making electricity at low cost, should go to where they’re most needed.

Last week the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a number of recommendations for member states to tackle soaring energy costs.

They include mandatory cuts of electricity use at peak hours and imposing windfall taxes on energy companies making “excess revenues” from low-cost electricity generation. Energy ministers will meet next week (Friday 30^th) to discuss the EU measures to handle the energy crisis.

Here’s Mairead McGuinness.

Out words: most needed

Dur: 00:45

 

Ireland to get €1.4 billion in EU Cohesion funding– Ferreira

Ireland is set to get €1.4b in EU funding over the next six years to help address regional disparities and social inequalities. The money will come from the EU’s Cohesion Funding policy which aims to improve the economic well-being of regions and cities in the EU.

Money will be invested in a range of initiatives including green transition projects, revitalisation of town centres, and schemes to help reduce poverty and social exclusion. €84m will support the Midlands region deal with the transition from peat for electricity generation. And around €142m is set for the Irish fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors.   

The government’s plans for investing the funds are set out in a Partnership Agreement between Ireland and the European Commission which is being launched today. The EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira has been visiting Ireland for the launch of the Partnership Agreement. She explains the purpose of the Cohesion fund.

Out words: South East

Dur: 00: 30

Impact of rising prices on food production & costs “really” concerning – McGuinness

Ireland’s EU Commissioner says she understands the fears and problems farmers have, when it comes to some of the challenges they face today such as climate change demands and rising prices.

Mairead McGuinness says she wants to listen to farmers and talk to them about their concerns during her attendance at this week’s Ploughing Championships in County Laois.

Commissioner McGuinness says the European Commission is “really concerned” about the impact higher gas and fertiliser costs may have on food production and prices.

Out words: is prolonged

Dur: 00:50

Commissioner McGuinness to listen to farmers’ concerns at Ploughing

Ireland’s European Commissioner says she wants to hear from farmers and listen to their concerns during her attendance at this week’s ploughing championships in Ratheniska (Co. Laois).

Mairead McGuinness says the European Commission wants to know how it can address the challenges farmers face, at a time of huge uncertainty.  

Out words: to say       

Dur: 00:20

Mandatory power cuts & windfall energy taxes proposed by EU

EU countries will be obliged to cut their consumption of electricity at peak hours by at least five percent (5%). And they should seek to lower their overall electricity consumption by at least 10% until the end of next March.

Windfall taxes will also be imposed on energy companies making “excess revenues” from low-cost electricity generation. The monies raised by the taxes would be channelled to families and businesses needing help with high costs.

They’re the proposals announced today by the European Commission. The recommendations will have to be negotiated with the EU’s twenty seven member states. Speaking today, the EU’s Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said reducing gas and electricity consumption is fundamental to the success of any measure to tackle the energy crisis.

Out words: by everyone

Dur: 00:22