EU News Radio

McGuinness defends gas and nuclear status

Mairead McGuinness has defended EU plans to designate gas and nuclear power as ‘transition’ fuels.

Changing their status would allow fossil fuels and nuclear to be eligible for new investment.

Environmental groups are pushing for the European Parliament to reject any relabelling which they fear will lead to the climate being sacrificed.

The vote will take place tomorrow (Wednesday).

Speaking during the debate this afternoon in Strasbourg, European Commissioner for financial affairs, Mairead McGuinness, stood by the plans, saying the transition will help countries shift to cleaner energy.

Out words:  Of the taxonomy

Dur: 0’23”

(Early out: 0’14”)

Europe must battle cost of living crisis together - Schmit

Europe is close to becoming a “war economy” and we should intervene to help businesses and citizens – that’s according to the EU’s Jobs Commissioner.

 

Nicolas Schmit was speaking a short time ago to open a debate on the cost of living taking place now in the European Parliament.

 

The Commissioner said the crisis is being fuelled by speculation and inflation, particularly for food and energy.

 

He says there is an exceptional need to act to support both companies and individuals.

 

Out words:  Are going through

Dur: 0’17”

Cheaper motor insurance on cards following EU decision on Insurance Ireland

Drivers may be in line for cheaper car insurance following moves by the European Commission to make Insurance Ireland adhere to fair competition practices.  

Last year the Commission found that Insurance Ireland delayed or denied access to its data exchange system to insurers based in other EU countries. Its Insurance link contains important information for companies offering motor vehicle insurance services in Ireland.

Today the Commission announced it has made commitments by Insurance Ireland to provide access to its data system to other insurers, legally binding under EU antitrust rules. European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta said this should ultimately benefit consumers in Ireland.

Out words: go down

Dur: 00:27

EU-New Zealand Trade Agreement talks conclude –Von der Leyen

Talks on a new free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand were concluded today. Negotiations to strike a deal between the two regions began in 2018.  

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today’s deal is “a solid” and “modern trade agreement” and she said it marked a “historic moment”.

Out words: thirty percent  

Dur: 00:20

UK NI Bill “completely unacceptable” – Šefčovič

The European Commission’s Brexit negotiator says the UK’s Northern Ireland Protocol bill is “completely unacceptable” and “breaches” international law.  

MPs gave their initial approval on Monday to the bill which would overturn parts of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland.

Speaking in Brussels this morning, the European Commission’s Maroš Šefčovič said the EU has “all the technical solutions on the table” but what’s needed is “good political will” on the side of the UK government to move forward.  

Out words: years ago

Dur: 00:25

EU moves step closer to sweeping climate change laws – Timmermans

EU governments moved a step closer to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by fifty five percent by 2030 after striking a compromise deal in the early hours of this morning in Luxembourg.   

Environment ministers from the bloc, agreed their joint positions on key proposals that are part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package. It will enable the bloc to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The agreed proposals include ending the sale of new combustion engine cars by 2035,  boosting natural sinks like forests and creating a multi-billion euro fund to help poorer people deal with CO2 costs. The European Council will now negotiate with the European Parliament to conclude the “Fit for 55” package.

Speaking early this morning, the European Commission’s Green Deal boss, Frans Timmermans said the agreement would set the EU on the path to climate neutrality.

Out words: by 2050

Dur: 00:21

EU sending “message of solidarity” to Ukraine with candidate status – Taoiseach

EU leaders will grant Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova EU candidate status during today’s EU summit in Brussels.  

Speaking in the Belgian capital this morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said today the EU is sending a message of solidarity to the people of Ukraine that they belong to the European family.  

Out words: with Georgia

Dur: 00:56

 

British “need to stick to agreements” signed – Byrne

The current state of EU-UK relations will be discussed at a meeting of EU Ministers in Luxembourg today. The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Maroš Šefčovič will update the ministers on what’s happening between the two sides.  

European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne, who’s attending the meeting in Luxembourg, says the EU is doing its best to try to resolve issues related to the Northern Ireland Protocol.  

Out words: can happen

Dur: 00:18

Agreement likely on Ukraine EU candidate status – Byrne

EU leaders are likely to agree to give Ukraine EU candidate status. That’s according to the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne. He was speaking in Luxembourg this morning where a General Affairs council of EU Ministers is being held.  

Today’s meeting comes ahead of an upcoming European Council summit later this week where EU leaders will discuss the EU membership applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Minister Byrne says Ireland has played a leading role in working towards accession and candidate status for Ukraine.

Out words:  strong view

Dur: 00:12

Commission recommends Ukraine get EU candidate status – Von der Leyen

The European Commission is recommending Ukraine be given EU candidate status (and the European perspective). The President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement this morning.

She also said the European Council should grant Moldova the European perspective and EU candidate status on the understanding it carries out a number of further important reforms.

President von der Leyen said Ukrainians are ready to die for the “European perspective” and she said we want them to live the European dream with us.

Our words: be done

Dur:  00:20