EU News Radio

Greens call for farm subsidy reform

The Greens candidate for European Commission president has called for an overhaul of EU farm subsides. The current Common Agricultural Policy has a budget of €387 billion until 2027 and yet many farmers are struggling. Speaking in a debate between the lead candidates in the European elections, the Greens’ Terry Reintke says it is clear the system needs to change for the sake of the environment and for farmers’ livelihoods.

 

Out words: this transformation

Dur: 0’20”

Liberals demand €100bn for defence and culture

The liberal candidate for European Commission presidency says the EU needs to spend €100 billion on defence. With the war in Ukraine continuing, security and defence is seen as one of the key topics for the European elections. Fianna Fáil currently sits in the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. Renew’s candidate for European Commission president, Sandro Gozi, says his party has a plan to massively beef up defence spending.  

 

Out words: and knowledge

Dur: 0’22”

Baier calls for disarmament and peace

The European Commission candidate for the Left has called for “disarmament and peace” in a key leadership debate. Five political groups from across the spectrum have put forward lead candidates, including the incumbent, Ursula von der Leyen. The televised debate was streamed live across Europe this afternoon. Defence is seen as one of the key topics in the forthcoming European elections. The group which currently includes Sinn Fein and Independents for Change is known as the Party of the European Left. Speaking in the debate, the European Left’s lead candidate, Walter Baier, said rather than more military spending, the EU should push for peace.

 

Out words: Stability in Europe

Dur: 0’20”

Covid led to stronger European Health Union - EU

 

The Covid Pandemic changed the way the EU works and cooperates in the area of health. That’s according to the European Commission which today outlined the developments made in EU health policy over the last four years.

Speaking today in Brussels, the Commissioner for Health and Food safety, Stella Kyriakides said the unity and solidarity that emerged as a result of the pandemic, has led to the creation of a strong European Health Union.

Out words: true solidarity 

Dur: 00:19

EU’s Covid vaccine strategy saved “millions of lives”

The EU’s Covid-19 vaccine strategy helped stem the spread of the deadly virus and save millions of lives. That’s according to the European Commission which today outlined the developments made in EU health policy over the last four years. The Commission says the pandemic showed what EU solidarity, collaboration and decisive action can achieve.

Speaking today in Brussels, the EU’s vice-president Margaritas Schinas said that when the pandemic hit, the EU had to deliver “swift and effective solutions” for its citizens.

Out words: health matters 

Dur: 00:17

Irish economy set to grow by 1.2% - EU

The Irish economy is set to expand this year with a predicted GDP growth rate of 1.2%. That’s according to the European Commission’s Spring Economic Forecast out today. It’s predicting headline inflation will continue to ease to 1.9% this year and 1.8% in 2025. According to the Commission, the Irish economy will see a GDP growth rate of 3.6% next year.

Speaking this morning in Brussels, the European Economy Commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni outlined the economic forecast for the EU as a whole.  

Out words: next year

Dur: 00:20

NI Rwanda Act ruling to be “carefully considered” – McGrath

Northern Ireland’s High-Court judgement on the UK’s Rwanda Act “adds further complexity” to an already very difficult and challenging situation. That’s according to Minister Michael McGrath who was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of an EU ministerial meeting. Yesterday a Belfast High-Court judge ruled that provisions of the UK’s Illegal Migration Act should not apply in Northern Ireland because they breach human rights laws. Here’s Minister McGrath.

Out words: process yet

Dur: 00:20

Belfast Rwanda ruling “potential consequences” for Ireland – McGrath

The government will “carefully” consider Northern Ireland’s High-Court ruling on the UK’s Illegal Migration Act. That’s according to Finance Minister Michael McGrath, who was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of an EU ministerial meeting.  Yesterday a Belfast High-Court judge ruled that provisions of the UK’s Illegal Migration Act should not apply in Northern Ireland because they breach human rights laws. Under the Act, the British government plans to send some illegal migrants on to Rwanda.

It recently emerged that the majority of asylum seekers entering Ireland, crossed the border from Northern Ireland. Minister McGrath says the ruling has “potential consequences” for Ireland.

Out words: to the Republic  

Dur: 00:24

Government being “kept abreast” of Intel development plans - McGrath

Finance Minister Michael McGrath says the government has been “kept abreast” of development plans in Ireland by the computer giant Intel. He was commenting on media reports that Intel is planning on developing a new multi-billion chip-making factory in Ireland. Minister McGrath was speaking in Brussels this morning ahead of an EU Economic and Financial Affairs Ministerial meeting.

Out words: so on

Dur: 00:22

Irish-Belgian music students perform for Europe Day in Dublin

Music students from Ireland and Belgium will celebrate Europe Day today by performing a special concert this evening at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. It will be broadcast live on RTÉ Lyric fm at 7pm. Here’s the head of the European Commission’s Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan.

Out words: line-up

Dur: 00:29