EU News Radio

Ireland gets derogation on EU deal on gas savings

EU member states today reached a political agreement on voluntary gas savings of fifteen percent (15%) from the beginning of August to the end of March next year. It follows last week’s proposals by the European Commission for gas reductions to cope with possible disruptions of gas supplies from Russia.

Ministers also agreed on the possibilities of triggering a ‘Union alert’ which would impose a mandatory requirement to cut gas consumption by fifteen percent. However some countries including Ireland, that are not interconnected to other EU states’ gas networks, are exempted from any mandatory gas reductions.  

The  Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jozef SÍKELA today announced details of the derogations that apply to Ireland.   

Out words: Malta, Cyprus

Dur: 00:32

Ireland likely to “benefit” from gas savings “exceptions” – Eamon Ryan

EU energy ministers are meeting in Brussels today to try to reach an agreement on a coordinated gas reduction plan for the bloc. They’re also expected to discuss security of energy supply in the EU and further measures ahead of next winter.

The meeting follows last week’s proposals by the European Commission for a fifteen percent savings in gas consumption from August to the end of next March.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, Environment minister Eamon Ryan said Ireland is likely to benefit from a derogation to cut its gas use because of its geographical location.

Out words: their part

Dur: 00:32

EU boss calls for “Energy Solidarity” on gas – VDL

The President of the European Commission is appealing to all EU countries to get ready to share their gas supplies in case other member states need them.

That could see Ireland sharing its own gas stocks if Russia cuts off or severely reduces its supplies to countries within the bloc. 

Ursula von der Leyen called for “energy solidarity” today when she announced new plans to reduce gas consumption in the EU by fifteen percent (15%) from the beginning of August until next Spring. The Commission is also proposing imposing mandatory cuts on member states, if there’s a severe gas shortage or an exceptionally high gas demand.    

Out words: of need

Dur: 00:28

EU countries urged to cut gas consumption for winter – VDL

EU countries are being urged to cut their gas consumption by fifteen percent (15%) from August to next Spring. And mandatory cuts could be imposed on member states if there’s a severe gas shortage or an exceptionally high gas demand.    

They’re the plans proposed by the European Commission today which says the European Union faces the risk of further gas supply cuts from Russia. All consumers, public administrations, households, owners of public buildings, power suppliers and industry are being advised to take measures to save gas.

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

Out words: we are

Dur: 01:11

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”