EU News Radio

Travellers facing exclusion & barriers to justice

Members of the Travelling community face a range of excessive barriers and perceived ‘exclusion’ when they want to access the legal system. They’re the findings of a new report launched today by UCC ’s Traveller Equality and Justice project.

The report is based on research carried out in collaboration with a group of Traveller women who were asked a number of questions about the current equality framework in Ireland and options for redress. The majority surveyed reported a deep-distrust and perceived ‘exclusion’ from the legal system.

The report was launched this morning by Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. He says the treatment of Ireland’s Travellers is outrageous.  

Out words: acceptable racism

Dur: 00:23

Finland & Sweden “will be welcomed with open arms to NATO” – Stoltenberg

Finland and Sweden “will be welcomed with open arms” if they choose to join NATO.

So says the Secretary General of NATO who was speaking in Brussels this morning. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to consider joining the military alliance. If they sign up, Ireland will be one of only four EU countries left outside NATO. 

Jens Stoltenberg said he would expect Finland and Sweden to be able to join quickly, if they apply for NATO membership.  

Out words: together

Dur: 00:18

EU court rules against AirBnB on Belgian demands for tax authorities - ECJ

The European Court of Justice today rejected a case brought by AirBnB Ireland against a regional Belgian law that required online accommodation platforms (property intermediation services) to provide information to tax authorities on tourist transactions.

The Brussels Capital Region wanted to collect the information for tax purposes. AirBnB had objected to the demands saying they contravened EU laws. But the ECJ found against AirBnB today.

Jacques René Zammit, a press officer with the European Court of Justice, explained the implications of today’s ruling.

Out words: of laws

Dur:  00:37

Era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe “coming to an end” – Von der Leyen

The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end. So says the European Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen.

Her comments today followed the decision by the Russian energy giant Gazprom to cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria over their refusal to pay in roubles.

Out words: an end

Dur: 01:30

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