EU News Radio

€15m EU aid for Irish farmers

The EU has announced €500 million in aid to support European farmers impacted by the Ukraine crisis. The war in Ukraine has caused a domino effect of problems including rising food, feed and fuel prices. The Irish Farmers Association has also warned of the rising price of fertilizer, up 127 per cent on last year. The EU has now allocated €15.8 million for Irish farmers. The government must prove the money will be used for those “hardest hit by the crisis”. Speaking this lunchtime, the European Agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski, said we need to increase food production here.

Out words: Food security
Dur: 0’24”

EU moves to secure “rocketing” food prices

Four million hectares of land set aside for the environment can now be dug up, under emergency measures just announced by the EU. The pressure on food was already a worry following covid. Now there is a war in Ukraine - the breadbasket of Europe. Wheat prices have increased by 70 per cent since the start of the conflict, according to the EU. The European Commission has this lunchtime set out a raft of measures to increase farming production and secure food supply. EU Agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski, says dropping green measures will allow land the size of the Netherlands to be planted with food crops.

 

Out words: Specific situation

Dur: 0’19”

EU doubling Bosnia troop numbers

The EU is doubling its forces in Bosnia to avoid any spillover from the Ukraine conflict.

 

Operation Althea will step up patrols. The EU will also spend 10 million Euro on new military equipment.

 

Speaking on a visit to Bosnia today (Wednesday), the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said the stability of the Western Balkans is more important now than ever.

 

Out words: Ten million Euros

Dur: 0’55”

Ninety per cent Russians “unaware” of Ukraine war

Ninety per cent of Russians are unaware of the war being fought in Ukraine – that’s according to the European Commissioner against disinformation.

 

As part of its sanctions against Russia, the EU has already blocked RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik, accusing them of broadcasting propaganda.

 

Speaking in Brussels this lunchtime, European Commissioner, Thierry Breton, said the invasion of Ukraine was a “Total War” in which news and information is a new battlefield.

 

Speaking through an interpreter, the French commissioner praised journalists reporting from Ukraine

 

Out words: They’ve been told

Dur: 0’21”

Russia not Europe must suffer most from sanctions - Donohoe

Russia, not Europe, must feel the greatest cost from EU sanctions – that’s the warning from Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe.

Euro ministers are meeting today (Monday) and tomorrow to discuss the impact of the Ukraine war on the European economy. In a joint statement just published, the Eurogroup warned uncertainty has “increased significantly”.

It comes on top of existing pressure on the supply chain, higher energy prices and inflation.

Speaking in Brussels this afternoon, Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe, said the Irish government has been proactive in trying to support citizens, but the EU may be able to do more together.

Out words: At European level

Dur: 0’17”

Ukrainian refugees can get jobs, education, housing and more – EU Commissioner

An EU protection mechanism for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine will enable them to avail of rights and services in all EU countries, including Ireland.  

Last week EU member states agreed to implement the Temporary Protection Directive which is designed to provide assistance and protection to war refugees.  

Today, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, said the Commission would soon present guidelines on how the directive can be implemented.  

Out words: the European Union

Dur: 01:00

Children fleeing Ukraine at “very high risk” – EU Commissioner

The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs says she is very concerned that unaccompanied children who’re fleeing the war in Ukraine, are at a “very high risk” of being used for trafficking purposes.

Ylva Johansson, told the European Parliament today, that around one million children may already have fled the conflict. She said some of them have crossed the border alone with just a small bag and without any parent to look after them.

Out words: crime ever

Dur: 00:20

Russia using propaganda machine as weapon of war – EU Borrell

Foreign disinformation and manipulation of the truth are posing a “clear threat” to democracy, stability and security.  That was the warning this morning from the European Commission’s High Representative Josep Borrell.

He was speaking in the European Parliament during a debate on foreign interference in the democratic process in the EU. Mr Borrell told MEPs, Russia is manipulating the truth in its war against Ukraine.

Out words: take place

Dur: 00:19

Temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians fleeing war – McEntee Brussels

Ireland “will not be found wanting” when it comes to helping those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

That’s what Justice Minister Helen McEntee said earlier today in Brussels.  She’s attending an EU council meeting of Justice and Home affairs ministers.

They’ll be discussing the European Commission's proposal to activate the Temporary Protection Directive to offer quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under this proposal, those escaping the conflict, will be given a residence permit in EU countries. And they’ll have access to education and the labour market.

Here’s Minister McEntee.

Out words: three years

Dur: 00:13

Ireland will not be found wanting on Ukrainian crisis – McEntee Brussels

EU ministers will discuss proposals to enable Ukrainian refugees to be given temporary protection in EU member states during meetings in Brussels today.

Ministers will examine the European Commission's proposal to activate the Temporary Protection Directive to offer quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under this proposal, those escaping the conflict will be given a residence permit in EU member countries. And they will have access to education and the labour market.

Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee who’s attending the meetings in Brussels, said she will be pushing to ensure a decision is taken to activate the protection mechanism.  

Out words: wanting

Dur: 00:24