EU News Radio

“Blatant” Russian GPS interference of EU boss plane - EC

A plane carrying EU boss Ursula von der Leyen was subjected to GPS jamming that’s being blamed on Russian interference. 

The plane was forced to land manually in a Bulgarian airport yesterday (Sunday) after its GPS navigation systems were disabled. Speaking this morning in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta confirmed jamming of the plane’s GPS. 

Dur: 00:18

EU ‘strengthening hand’ against rule of law breaches - McGrath

The EU will have the power to cut off funding from member states breaching fundamental rights under new proposals supported by Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Michael McGrath. Under the European Commission’s proposals for its new €2 trillion budget, the EU would be able to stop the flow of EU cash if democratic values are not upheld. Under the current budget, the EU has frozen €18 billion from Hungary over rule of law concerns. European Commissioner for Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, says the new rules would allow a much more drastic halt to EU investment.  

 

Out words: Fundamental rights

Dur: 0’18”

EU pressures Israel after Gaza aid deaths

The EU’s foreign affairs chief has told Israel that killing civilians is “indefensible”. Kaja Kallas spoke to Israel’s foreign minister by phone earlier today. The EU and Israel reached a humanitarian agreement 11 days ago. The deal would allow a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and be distributed by UN agencies. But Israel has so far not fully implemented the agreement. Over the weekend 94 civilians were reportedly killed whilst trying to collect provisions. The EU could take action by suspending part of its trade agreement with Israel. Kaja Kallas wrote on social media that all options remain on the table. Speaking this lunchtime from Brussels, the European Commission’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, said the EU urges Israel to end the bloodshed.

 

Out words: Also underlined

Dur: 0’52”

EU ‘migration diplomacy’ to ease pressure

The EU is using ‘migration diplomacy’ to convince countries outside Europe to ease migration pressure, the European Commission for Migration says. European interior ministers are meeting in Copenhagen today to discuss the issue. There were more than 75,000 attempts by migrants to illegally enter the European Union in the first six months of this year, according to the EU’s border agency. The EU is currently negotiating a new law which would allow member states to set up so-called ‘return hubs’ outsides Europe. Failed asylum seekers could be sent there before being returned to their home country. When Simon Harris was Taoiseach, he suggested Ireland should be open to “innovative solutions”. But Amnesty International has branded return hubs unlawful and unworkable. Speaking from Copenhagen this morning, European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, said the new law would set the groundwork for those EU member states who want to, to set up return hubs.

 

Out words: Build on that

Dur: 0’21”

McGrath praises Budapest Pride attendees

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath says the Commission is analysing Hungary’s new laws relating to freedom of assembly and the use of facial recognition software for potential prosecutions.

Tens of thousands of people turned out for Budapest Pride last month despite an attempt to ban such gatherings by the country’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Speaking today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mr McGrath praised those who turned up for the event in the Hungarian capital. 

Dur: 00:28

Mercosur beef won’t “destroy” EU agriculture - EU Costa

The President of the European Council says the EU-Mercosur trade deal will not destroy European agriculture. Speaking in the European Parliament this morning, President António COSTA urged EU countries to “move forward and sign” the Mercosur deal by the end of the year. 

Last December a political agreement was reached between the EU and the founding members of Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). But the deal still needs to be ratified by EU member countries including Ireland which is concerned about its potential impact on Irish agriculture and the environment. 

This morning President COSTA told MEPs, the EU should focus on the “long-term benefits” of the deal for Europe. 

Dur: 00:57

EU “working closely with US” for trade deal - VDL

EU boss Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is “working closely with the US administration” to reach a trade deal between the bloc and the United States. 

President von der Leyen was speaking in the European Parliament this morning. She told MEPs she had a good exchange with US President Donald Trump earlier this week to “help move things forward”.

Dur: 00:19

 

EU “ready for a deal” with US but preparing for “no satisfactory” agreement - Von der Leyen

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is aiming to strike a trade agreement "in principle” with the US by the 9th of July. That’s the date the US is threatening to impose full on tariffs on EU imports. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is currently in Washington for talks with his US counterparts. 

President von der Leyen was speaking in the Danish city of Aarhus, to mark the start of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Dur: 00:34

New EU Climate target for “economic, security & geopolitical” reasons - EU

 A new EU climate emissions target is needed to ensure Europe stays “the course on climate”. That’s according to the European Commission which today proposed a 2040 EU climate target of 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to 1990 levels. It wants that target to be included in the European Climate Law which came into force in July 2021.

That law commits the EU to become climate neutral by 2050 and to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least fifty five percent (55%) by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Speaking today in Brussels, European Commissioner Wopke HOEKSTRA said the new target makes sense for many reasons.    

Dur: 00:28

EU sets new 2040 climate target

The European Commission is proposing a new 2040 net greenhouse gas reduction target of ninety percent (90%) compared to 1990 levels. And it wants that target to be included in the European Climate Law which came into force in July 2021.

That law commits the EU to become climate neutral by 2050 and to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least fifty five percent (55%) by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Speaking today in Brussels, European Commissioner Wopke HOEKSTRA said the new target makes sense from an economic, security and geopolitical perspective.   

Out words: climate change

Dur: 00:12