EU News Radio

Kremlin using fossil fuels to ‘blackmail’ us – Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says Gazprom's decision to cut gas supplies to certain EU member states is another provocation from the Kremlin.

Ursula von der Leyen today accused the Kremlin of using fossil fuels to try to blackmail the bloc. Her comments follow Gazprom’s move to cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria over their refusal to pay in roubles.

President von der Leyen said the EU’s response will be immediate, united and coordinated.  

Out words: EU neighbours

Dur: 00:20

 

Dur: 00:20

 

EU tackles abusive lawsuits against journalists – Jourova

The European Commission today announced plans to improve the protection of journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings. The Commission wants to crack down on the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPPs. They’re  primarily used against journalists and human rights defenders to prevent or penalise them from speaking up on issues of public interest.

The Commission’s proposals would enable judges to swiftly dismiss unfounded lawsuits against journalists and human rights defenders. They’re also proposing several safeguards and remedies to prevent people from launching abusive lawsuits against them. The European Commissioner Vera Jourova today said the use of abusive lawsuits is increasing in the EU.  

Out words: not so

Dur: 00:13

EU opinion on Ukraine membership in June – Michel

The European Commission will publish its opinion on Ukraine’s EU membership bid by the end of June.

That’s according to the President of the European Council Charles Michel. He was speaking in Kyiv today (Wednesday) where he met the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Michel said it was no secret there were different opinions and sensitivities among EU countries on enlargement of the bloc.

Out words: and values

Dur: 00:50

Russian oil and gas sanctions “sooner or later” – Michel

The President of Ukraine has called for a “complete energy embargo including imports of oil and gas” in the next round of sanctions against Russia.

Volodymyr Zelensky was speaking in Kyiv today where he met the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.  During a joint press conference, he called for all Russian banks to be disconnected from SWIFT. And he said the accounts of the Russian state and companies should be blocked and their money channelled to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Charles Michel said the EU, its partners and allies are constantly discussing how to maximise pressure on the Kremlin to change its behaviour.

Out words: as possible

Dur: 00:28

Russia ‘must pay’ for war crimes & atrocities in Ukraine – Charles Michel

The President of the European Council has warned Russia must pay the price for what it has done to Ukraine. Charles Michel was speaking after visiting the northern Ukrainian town of Borodyanka which has been severely damaged from Russian attacks.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of deliberately bombing civilian areas in the town.

Out words: in Ukraine

Dur: 00:24

Russian war causing “enormous suffering” & economic impact – Lagarde

Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine is causing enormous suffering and it’s also affecting the economy in Europe and beyond.

That’s according to the President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde. She made the comments following a General Council Meeting today of the ECB. Inflation has increased significantly she said and it will remain high over the coming months mainly because of the sharp rise in energy costs.

Ms Lagarde said the conflict and the associated uncertainty are weighing heavily on the confidence of businesses and consumers.

Out words: further measures

Dur: 00:23

EU aims to boost protection of craft products like Donegal Tweed

New EU plans to boost the protection of craft products like Donegal Tweed were announced today (Wednesday) by the European Commission. It’s proposing new laws to protect the intellectual property for craft and industrial products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional practices from their regions.

The proposed legal framework will cover a range of goods from ceramics, glassware and pottery to cutlery, furniture and Donegal tweed. European Commission spokesperson Sonya Gospodinova explained what the proposed new rules will mean.  

Out words: Europe’s regions

Dur: 00:56

Donegal Tweed set to benefit from increased EU protection

Donegal Tweed is set to benefit from new EU rules that will boost the protection of European craft and industrial products in the EU and beyond.

The European Commission today announced details of proposed new laws to protect the intellectual property for craft and industrial products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional practices from their regions.

The legal framework will cover a range of crafts including Donegal tweed. European Commission spokesperson Sonya Gospodinova explained what the new rules will mean.  

Out words: Europe’s regions

Dur: 00:16

EU approves continued supply of medicines to Northern Ireland – Byrne

EU ministers have approved the continued long-term supply of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Today’s approval follows last week's vote in the European Parliament. MEPs supported derogations from EU Directives to ensure an indefinite supply of medicines to Northern Ireland post-Brexit. The proposals were originally put forward by the European Commission last year to change EU rules to ensure that the same medicines are available in Northern Ireland at the same time as they are in the rest of the United Kingdom.

Speaking in Luxembourg this morning where EU Ministers are meeting, Minister of State Thomas Byrne welcomed the formal adoption of the Medicines package for Northern Ireland.

Out words: for Northern Ireland

Dur: 00:19

EU has given Putin €35bn since war started

Europe has paid Russia 35 billion Euro for energy imports since the start of the Ukraine war – that’s according to the EU’s foreign affairs chief. The European Commission has proposed more sanctions against Russia including cutting off coal. The EU is also working on plans to phase out Russian oil and gas. Speaking in the European Parliament this morning (through an interpreter), the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, warned that the payments to Russia dwarfed the aid Europe has so far granted to Ukraine.  

 

Out words:  Billion Euro

Dur: 0’19”