EU News Radio

Valencia floods shows Europe is vulnerable - EU

Europe is living through ‘an age of crisis’ when it comes to extreme weather events – that’s the warning from the EU’s Crisis Management Commissioner. Spain has been hit by devastating floods over the past month. More than 200 people have been killed. And the country remains on alert for further heavy rainfall. The EU is providing emergency support. But the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, says with climate change these extreme events are happening more often and all of Europe needs to be ready.

 

Out words: In our future

Dur: 0’53”

Renewables ‘best investment’, EU climate boss tells COP29

The EU’s climate boss says renewable energy is “the best investment we can make”. Wopke Hoekstra has been speaking at the UN’s climate change conference, COP29, taking place in Azerbaijan. At last year’s COP, world leaders agreed to a tripling renewable energy and a doubling energy efficiency by 2030. A rapid expansion of renewables helped the EU reduce its emissions by 8 per cent last year, according to the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra. He says the EU is committed to meeting those targets which he says will bring new jobs as well as environmental benefits.

 

Out words: Dirtier alternatives

Dur: 0’18”

Michael McGrath promises new EU law as grilling begins

Michael McGrath has promised a Digital Fairness Act if he is confirmed as European Commissioner. His three-hour grilling in the European Parliament is underway in Brussels this morning. MEPs are scrutinising his suitability for the job of European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law. His responsibilities – if confirmed in the post – will include consumer protection, data protection and fundamental rights. Giving his opening pitch in the last few minutes, Michael McGrath promised a new law to reassure consumers and better protect children online.

 

Out words: be a priority

Dur: 0’44”

EU farm budget cut would be a “disaster”

The man hoping to be confirmed as the next European Commissioner for Agriculture has promised to lobby for more money for farmers. Luxembourger, Christophe Hansen, comes from a farming family and has pledged to be a ‘boots on the ground’ commissioner, to meet farmers from across Europe. MEPs are grilling him on his suitability for the job in a three-hour hearing this evening. Speaking in the last few minutes, Christophe Hansen told the European Parliament that farmers need more money not less, and that there are important lessons to be learnt from the protests that took place earlier this year.

 

Out words: Over the continent

Dur: 0’24”

EU using trade deal to talk tough to Israel – Sefcovic

The EU is using the weight of its trade deal with Israel to demand a ceasefire, the incoming Trade Commissioner has insisted. For months, the Taoiseach has been asking - without success - for the European Commission to consider whether Israel is breaching the human rights clause of its trade deal with the EU. Former Brexit chief, Maroš Šefčovič, has been nominated as the next EU trade commissioner. MEPs must decide if he is up to the job. Facing scrutiny in the European Parliament this afternoon, he would not commit to suspending the EU’s trade deal with Israel. But he insisted the EU is using the influence of the multi-billion euro agreement to talk tough with Israel.

 

Out words: In the Middle East

Dur: 0’41”

Europe “ready to help” Spain after floods - Von Der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says the floods in Spain are “devastating” and they are what she called “the dramatic reality of climate change”. Ursula von Der Leyen today said Europe is “ready to help”.

Out words: our disposal 

Dur: 01:04

EU urges Israel to “reconsider” UNRWA ban

The European Commission is calling on the Israeli authorities “to reconsider” last night’s vote by the Israeli parliament to ban the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. The legislation will severely inhibit UNRWA’s ability to work in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

This morning Nabila Massrali, a European Commission Spokesperson, said UNRWA provides essential services to people in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and across the region including, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. She said UNRWA “is a pilar of regional stability”.

Out words: Palestine refugees

Dur: 00:27

“No alternative to UNRWA” – EU

The European Commission has condemned last night’s vote in the Israeli parliament to pass laws banning the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA from operating within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.

Yesterday the EU’s Foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell said in statements on X, the new Israeli laws would “render UNRWA’s vital operations in Gaza impossible”. And he stated they would “seriously hamper its provision of services in the West Bank”. This morning European Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali, said last night’s vote is “extremely worrying”.

Out words: to UNRWA

Dur: 00:13

Urgent need for ceasefire in Lebanon – EU

Lebanon is a “fragile country” that’s been “gravely weakened by multiple crises”. And it’s at risk of being further destabilised by Israeli operations which would have wider repercussions on the region and beyond.

That’s the warning from the EU Commissioner responsible for Crisis Management. Janez LENARČIČ made the comments this morning during an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The European Commission is calling for an “immediate de-escalation” of the conflict in Lebanon and a ceasefire.

Out words: being children

Dur: 00:21

UNIFIL “essential” for Lebanon & Israel – EU

The European Commission says UNIFIL’s “stabilisation role” in Lebanon “is essential” for both Lebanon and Israel. This morning the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management told the European Parliament, UNIFIL’s role would become even more critical in “the perspective of a ceasefire”.

Janez LENARČIČ referred to last week’s European Council summit which condemned recent Israeli attacks against UNIFIL in South Lebanon. Mr LENARČIČ said those attacks constituted a “grave violation” of international law and must stop immediately.   

Out words: full backing

Dur: 00:26