EU News Radio

EU announces 6th round of sanctions against Russia – VDL

A proposed sixth round of EU sanctions against Russia was announced this morning by the President of the European Commission.

Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament the next round of sanctions will include a complete ban on imports of Russian oil to Europe by the end of the year. The proposed ban would be rolled out in an “orderly fashion” she said to minimise the impact on the global market.

The proposed sanctions include listing high-ranking military officers for war crimes, removing more banks from SWIFT and banning key Russian state broadcasters from EU airwaves.

Out words: Putin is sinking

Dur: 04:00

Complete ban on Russian oil imports by end of year – Von der Leyen

The European Commission has just announced a sixth round of proposed sanctions against Russia. The President of the European Commission told the European Parliament this morning that they’re proposing a complete ban on imports of Russian oil by the end of the year.

Ursula von der Leyen said the ban would be phased out in an “orderly fashion” that would minimise the impact on the global market.

Out words: remains strong

Dur: 00:24

Russian Oil embargo ban for Europe – Von der Leyen

A proposed ban on Russian imports of oil to the EU has just been announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

During a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg,  she said the proposed ban would be rolled out in a way that would minimise the collateral damage to the EU and its partners around the globe.

She told MEPs crude oil would be phased out within six months and refined products by the end of the year.

Out words: global market

Dur: 00:28

Putting people in charge of their own health data – Kyriakides

European citizens should be able to access electronic data on their own health, easily and free of charge across the EU under new proposals announced today. The proposed European Health Data Space will enable people to access and share their health data with other medical professionals across the bloc to get the best possible care. EU countries will have to ensure that the likes of patient lab results, image reports and prescriptions are issued and accepted in a common European format.

The European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides explained today what the proposals will mean for EU citizens.

Out words: medication needed

Dur: 00:32

“Revolutionary” Health Data space for all EU citizens – Commissioner Schinas

Proposals to empower people across the EU to control and use data held on their own health were announced today by the European Commission. The proposed European Health Data Space will enable people to have immediate and easy access to data held on their health in electronic form. 

Under the proposals, Europeans will be able to share their health data with other medical professionals across the EU to get the best possible care. They’ll also be able to add information, rectify wrong data, restrict access to others and obtain information on how their data are used and for what purposes.

The Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas today described the proposed European Health Data Space as revolutionary and the first of its kind in the world.

Out words: better diagnosis

Dur: 00:20

Treatment of Travellers & Roma an “outrage” - EU Fundamental Rights Agency

The treatment of Ireland’s Traveller and wider Roma community is an “outrage”. So says the head of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, Michael O’Flaherty.  

This morning (Friday) he launched a new report by UCC’s Traveller Equality and Justice Project. The report found that members of the Travelling community here face a range of excessive barriers and perceived ‘exclusion’ when they want to access the legal system.

Michael O’Flaherty says future generations will look back in horror at how travellers in Ireland, and the wider Roma community in Europe, have been treated.

Out words: in Europe

Dur: 01:12

Travellers facing exclusion & barriers to justice

Members of the Travelling community face a range of excessive barriers and perceived ‘exclusion’ when they want to access the legal system. They’re the findings of a new report launched today by UCC ’s Traveller Equality and Justice project.

The report is based on research carried out in collaboration with a group of Traveller women who were asked a number of questions about the current equality framework in Ireland and options for redress. The majority surveyed reported a deep-distrust and perceived ‘exclusion’ from the legal system.

The report was launched this morning by Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. He says the treatment of Ireland’s Travellers is outrageous.  

Out words: acceptable racism

Dur: 00:23

Finland & Sweden “will be welcomed with open arms to NATO” – Stoltenberg

Finland and Sweden “will be welcomed with open arms” if they choose to join NATO.

So says the Secretary General of NATO who was speaking in Brussels this morning. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to consider joining the military alliance. If they sign up, Ireland will be one of only four EU countries left outside NATO. 

Jens Stoltenberg said he would expect Finland and Sweden to be able to join quickly, if they apply for NATO membership.  

Out words: together

Dur: 00:18

EU court rules against AirBnB on Belgian demands for tax authorities - ECJ

The European Court of Justice today rejected a case brought by AirBnB Ireland against a regional Belgian law that required online accommodation platforms (property intermediation services) to provide information to tax authorities on tourist transactions.

The Brussels Capital Region wanted to collect the information for tax purposes. AirBnB had objected to the demands saying they contravened EU laws. But the ECJ found against AirBnB today.

Jacques René Zammit, a press officer with the European Court of Justice, explained the implications of today’s ruling.

Out words: of laws

Dur:  00:37

Era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe “coming to an end” – Von der Leyen

The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end. So says the European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen.

Her comments today followed the decision by the Russian energy giant Gazprom to cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria over their refusal to pay in roubles.

Out words: an end

Dur: 01:30