EU News Radio

EU Chips act unveiled – Ursula von der Leyen

The European Commission today unveiled details of a proposed EU Chips Act which aims to significantly bolster the production and development of semiconductors in the European Union.

Microchips are used in a wide range of products from smartphones cars and washing machines to healthcare, energy, and industrial systems.  

But the EU is highly dependent on other countries such as Taiwan for their production. And this new act aims to increase Europe’s production of microchips to twenty percent (20%) of the global market share by 2030.

When announcing details of the new act today, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the global shortage of microchips slowed Europe’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic.

Out words: strategic market

Dur: 00:40

Migration is “manageable” – Commissioner Johansson to Oireachtas C’tee

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs has praised Ireland’s recent initiative to regularise undocumented migrants here.

Ylva Johansson (Yeel-Vah Yo-hansson) described the move as a “bold step” and one to be applauded.

She made the comments during an address to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs this morning. She was outlining details of the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact which is a package of EU proposals on how the bloc should handle migration over the years ahead.

The Commissioner told committee members that migrants are human beings with rights and dignity.  

Out words:  manageable

Dur: 00:20

“Don’t panic” don’t be afraid of migrants – EU Johansson Dublin

The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs told an Oireachtas Committee this morning that migration is normal and that it is nothing to be afraid of.

Ylva Johansson (Yeel-Vah Yo-hansson) was outlining details of the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact. It's a package of EU proposals and recommendations on how the bloc should handle migration over the years ahead.

During her address to the Joint Committee on EU Affairs this morning, Commissioner Johansson said although migration can sometimes be a challenge it can be managed.

Out words: their dignity

Dur: 00:31

 

 

EU Foreign policy chief warns Russia against any further Ukraine “aggression” - Borrell

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs today warned Russia it would face “massive consequences” if it took any further action against Ukraine.   

Josep Borrell made the comments during his visit to Washington to attend an EU-US Energy Council.

During his address to the Council, Mr Borrell said Russia doesn’t hesitate to use energy supplies to Europe “as a weapon for geopolitical gain”.  And he said the Ukraine crisis has highlighted the need for Europe and the rest of the world to diversify energy supplies.

Out words: massive consequences

Dur: 00:22

Poots’s actions causing “utter confusion” – McGuinness

The European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness says she hopes the decision by Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister to halt checks on certain goods at Northern Ireland Ports won’t make matters worse.

Edwin Poots made the decision after taking legal advice which he says concluded he could go ahead and stop the inspections.

The move is part of the continuing row over the implementation of the Brexit Protocol on Northern Ireland.

Out words: plainly unhelpful

Dur: 01:17

Poots’s checks halts “extraordinary development” McGuinness

The decision by Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister to end checks on agri-food goods at ports in Northern Ireland is causing “utter confusion” and is “plainly unhelpful”.

That’s according to Ireland’s European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. Mr Poots made the decision after taking legal advice which he says concluded he could go ahead and stop the inspections.

Here’s Mairead McGuinness.

Out words: this time

Dur: 00:42

Gas and Nuclear included in EU sustainable activities list – McGuinness LONG

Ireland’s EU Commissioner has defended the inclusion of nuclear power and natural gas activities in the EU’s Taxonomy classification system.  

It’s supposed to help investors identify sustainable economic activities that complement the EU’s environmental and climate objectives.

There’s been strong opposition from several quarters to the inclusion of gas and nuclear power in the environmentally sustainable activities list.

Today (Wednesday) Ireland’s EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness announced details of the new rules and explained why nuclear power and natural gas activities were included in them.

Out words: in transition

Dur: 02:43

Nuclear & Gas “imperfect solutions” to achieving carbon neutrality – McGuinness

The inclusion of nuclear power and natural gas activities in an EU list of sustainable energy sources for investors was announced today.  

The new finance rules are part of the EU’s Taxonomy classification system. It’s supposed to help investors identify sustainable economic activities that complement the EU’s environmental and climate objectives.

But there’s been outcry from several quarters including some EU governments and environmental groups to the inclusion of gas and nuclear power in the classification system.

This morning the European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness defended their inclusion saying they were needed to help the transition to renewable energy sources.

Out words: carbon neutrality

Dur: 00:34

Gas and nuclear get green classification for investment – McGuinness

The European Commission today announced details of new finance rules that classify certain nuclear power and natural gas activities as sustainable energy sources for private investment purposes.

The new rules are part of the EU’s Taxonomy classification system. It’s supposed to help investors identify sustainable economic activities that complement the EU’s environmental and climate objectives.

But there’s been strong opposition from several quarters to the inclusion of gas and nuclear power in the taxonomy classification system.

This morning the European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness defended their inclusion saying they were needed to facilitate the transition to climate neutrality.

Out words: these sectors

Dur: 00:33

New EU rules for prescription of anti-biotics to animals – Interview

Vets will have to be increasingly vigilant from today when it comes to prescribing anti-biotics for animals.

New EU rules on the way certain medicines for farm animals are prescribed will come into force on Friday (January 28^th). The regulations are being brought in to address concerns about the ongoing threat of anti-microbial resistance or AMR to medicines such as antibiotics.  

Dr Caroline Garvan is a Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture. She spoke to EU News Radio’s Karen Coleman and explained why these rules are being introduced.

Out words: our vets

Dur: 04:33