EU News Radio

Sanctions aim to stop ”inhuman and aggressive” war

Jet fuel, Russia’s second-largest bank and “dozens” of oligarchs are part of the latest sanctions, according to the EU’s foreign affairs chief. The proposals from the European Commission need to be approved by leaders from the EU27 countries, including Ireland, before coming into effect. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, said the aim was to hit at the heart of the Russian regime.

 

Out words: A heavy cost

Dur: 0’25”

EU proposes multi-billion new sanctions

The European Commission has outlined plans for a fifth round of sanctions against Russia. Following reports of atrocities in Bucha and other towns in Ukraine, the EU has decided to increase its pressure on the Kremlin. The new sanctions include a ban on coal, a block on Russian boats and lorries, and more sanctions against oligarchs. EU leaders will need to agree the proposals in the coming days before they become into effect. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, says the sanctions are hitting Russia hard.

 

Out words: Russian economy

Dur: 0’13”

EU warns China not to ‘interfere’ with sanctions against Russia

The EU today warned China that it shouldn’t interfere with the sanctions that have been imposed against Russia because of the war in Ukraine.

The Presidents of the European Commission and Council held a virtual meeting with both the Chinese president and prime minister.

Ursula von der Leyen said they had a very open and frank exchange with the Chinese leaders. And they discussed the fact that any support to Russia's ability to wage war, would lead to major reputational damage for China in Europe.

Out words: open manner

Dur: 01:12

Prolongation of war not in China’s interests – Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission said  a “very open and very frank exchange” was had today with Chinese leaders during the virtual EU-China summit.

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU made it very clear that China should not interfere with the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia because of the war.

And she said they discussed the fact that any support to Russia's ability to wage war, would lead to major reputational damage for China in Europe.

Out words: in China’s

Dur: 00:23  

EU opens negotiations with Ukraine on post-war climate & environmental help

The European Commission has just opened negotiations with Ukraine to join an EU programme to help fund post-war climate and environmental restoration.  

The five point four billion euro (€5.4billion) LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for environmental and climate action.

Adalbert Jahnz spokesperson from the European Commission, this morning explained how Ukraine could benefit from the programme.  

Out words: and resilience

Dur: 00:18

EU calls for end of fashion of fast fashion – Timmermans

The European Commission today announced a new strategy to make textiles more durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable. The aim is to tackle fast fashion, textile waste and the destruction of unsold clothes. And it promises to ensure their production takes place in full respect of social rights.

The proposed rules are all part of EU plans to make sustainable products the norm in the EU. The goal is to help boost circular business models and empower consumers for the green transition.

The European Commission’s Frans Timmermans says textiles will be “among the first products” to be regulated under the EU’s new eco design regulation.    

Out words: consume textiles

Dur: 00:13

End ‘take, make, break and throw away’ culture – EU

The European Commission today announced a package of proposals to make sustainable products the norm in the EU. The package includes new rules to make almost all physical goods on the EU market more friendly to the environment, circular, and energy efficient.

The proposals will also give consumers more power so that they’re  better informed about the environmental sustainability of products and better protected against greenwashing.

When announcing the proposals today, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, said it’s time to end the "take, make, break and throw away" culture.

Out words: why not?

Dur: 00:16

EU must be in charge of its own “energy future” – Commissioner

The EU needs to move “even faster to reshape” its energy system and end its dependency on Russian energy as soon as possible.  

That's the warning from the European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis . This morning he outlined the Commission’s latest proposals for ensuring the security of gas supply for next winter. The plans include ways to mitigate the impact of price increases on households, and to boost renewable energy sources.

The Commissioner told the European Parliament the EU needs to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels this year. And he said renewables are a “perfect solution” for Europe.

Out words: energy choices

Dur: 00:10

Putin risking Africa famine, warns von der Leyen

“Let those ships go!”. Putin is blocking hundreds of Ukrainian food ships from reaching their destinations, according to the President of the European Commission. Ukraine is a major global food exporter. It is particularly important in providing wheat and barley, not just to Europe, but also to developing countries. Speaking to the European Parliament this afternoon, Ursula von der Leyen, warned Russia is risking causing famine and urged Putin to allow food through.

 

Out words:  These ships go! [Clapping]

Dur: 0’41”

EU publishes ideas to cut energy bills

The European Commission has published its ideas on how to bring down energy bills. Electricity and gas prices have increased sharply in recent months, exacerbated by covid and the war in Ukraine. Cutting taxes or introducing a cap on electricity or fossil fuel production are amongst the ideas put forward by the EU. The 27 heads of state and government, including Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, will discuss the proposals when they meet in Brussels tomorrow. Announcing the publication by the European Commission this lunchtime, Executive Vice President, Valdis Dombrovskis, warned reaching an agreement would not be easy.

 

Out words: Member states

Dur: 0’19”