EU News Radio

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”

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