EU News Radio

Trust needs to be rebuilt with UK for future strategic partnership – Sefkovic

Trust needs to be rebuilt between the United Kingdom and the EU for the UK to be regarded as a strategic partner in the future.  

So says the European Commission’s Vice-President Maros Sefkovic. He was responding to similar comments made this morning by the French President Emmanuel Macron during an address to the European Parliament.

President Macron called on the UK to respect agreements made such as the Northern Ireland protocol and those on fishing rights.

Mr Sefkovic echoed Mr Macron’s views after the President finished outlining the priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU which began this month.

Out words: other side

Dur:  00:40  

Macron calls on UK to respect agreements like NI Protocol

The United Kingdom needs to respect agreements it has entered into with the EU including the Northern Ireland Protocol. That was the warning this morning from the French President during an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Emmanuel Macron made the comments when he was outlining the priorities of the French presidency of the EU Council which began this month. He told MEPs, Europe and the UK need to regain trust in one another.

Here is the English interpretation of President Macron.  

(ENGLISH INTERPRETER)

Out words: Ireland Protocol

Dur: 00:34

Brexit meeting held in ‘cordial atmosphere’ – European Commission

The latest round of Brexit talks between the EU and the UK took place “in a cordial atmosphere” and both parties are set to intensify discussions next week.

That’s according to a joint statement issued this morning by the European Commission’s Vice-President Maros Sefkovic and the UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

They held their first face-to-face meetings at Chevening, England yesterday (Thursday 13) and today (Friday14).  European Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie, said Ms Truss and Mr Sefkovic will meet again later this month.

Out words: that regard

Dur: 00:35

Today’s Brexit talks about Truss/Sefkovic getting to know each other – McGuinness

Another round of talks between the EU and the UK on the Northern Ireland protocol will take place later today in England. The EU’s Brexit negotiator Maros Sefkovic will meet the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in Chevening House in Kent.

Ms Truss took over the position of negotiating with the EU on Brexit issues last December following David Frost’s resignation.  

In a British newspaper article last Sunday, she reiterated British threats to trigger Article 16 of the Protocol if their concerns about the Protocol aren’t addressed by Brussels.

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness says it’s important both sides continue to talk to one another.

Out words: United Kingdom

Dur: 00:38

 

Late EP President ‘worked night and day’ on Covid challenges – McGuinness

The late President of the European Parliament presided over the Parliament at the most difficult of times with Covid presenting unprecedented challenges.  

So says Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. The Italian politician and former journalist David Sassoli passed away yesterday (Tuesday) after struggling with ill health for months. He contracted pneumonia several months ago and was suffering from a dysfunction of his immune system.

Mairead McGuinness worked alongside Mr Sassoli when she was a member of the European Parliament. She recalls how he worked extremely hard to ensure it continued to operate throughout the Covid crisis.

Out words: those problems  

Dur: 00:32

 

EU ‘very shocked’ at EP President’s death – McGuinness

The death of the European Parliament’s President David Sassoli has left a ‘big gap’ in EU politics and he will be fondly remembered for his warmth and kindness.  

That’s according to Ireland’s European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness who worked alongside the late Mr Sassoli when she was a Member of the European Parliament.

The Italian former journalist died yesterday (Tuesday) at the age of sixty five (65) after struggling for several months with poor health.

Here’s Commissioner McGuinness.

Out words: in Brussels

Dur: 00:50

 

 

Covid accelerating “dramatic changes” in banking & finance – McGuinness

Covid is leading to “dramatic changes” in banking and the financial system. That’s the view of Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness who is responsible for Financial Services, Financial stability and Capital Markets.

She says early this year she’ll be looking at how these “rapid” changes are going to impact the financial system.

Out words: that process

Dur: 00:47

“Dramatic increase” in fertiliser prices will have “knock-on impact” in 2022 – McGuinness

The rising price of fertilisers will impact the agricultural sector and consumers over the year ahead. That’s the warning from Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.

According to Teagasc tillage farmers are facing a potentially large decrease in margins in 2022 because of soaring fertiliser prices. Much of that increase is down to the growing cost of natural gas and other essential elements.

(Teagasc is the Agriculture and Food Development Authority).

Out words: price inflation

Dur: 00:18

Interview Barbara Nolan on European Year of Youth 2022

The needs and priorities of young people are to be a key focus of the EU over the next twelve months with 2022 designated the European Year of Youth.

The decision to prioritise young people throughout this year came about because many of them have been negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic. The idea of making 2022 youth-focused was originally put forward last September by the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.

Well Karen Coleman (EU News Radio editor) talked to Barbara Nolan, the head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, about the 2022 European Year of Youth initiative.

Out words: certain issues

Dur: 03:45

Young people to be EU focus of 2022 – EC Nolan

The needs and priorities of young people are to be a key focus of the EU over the next twelve months with 2022 designated the European Year of Youth.

The decision to prioritise young people throughout this year came about because many of them have been negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic.

The aim is to listen to Europe’s youth and give them a chance to shape European and national policies.   

Barbara Nolan, the head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, says a range of initiatives are planned for this year including ones targeting disadvantaged youth in the EU.

Out words: across Europe  

Dur: 00:29