EuroParlRadio covers news from the European Parliament for Irish radio stations.
Animal welfare proposals could discriminate against Ireland if they go too far, Sean Kelly has warned. The European Parliament is due to debate a resolution on the issue on Thursday. Whilst he welcomes some of the ideas, like a ban on transporting month-old calves, the Fine Gael MEP fears there is a risk of overregulating.
Out words: A lot of time
Dur: 0’20”
Europe and the world need to prepare for the next pandemic – that’s the message from MEP, Barry Andrews. The Fianna Fáil is confident that the worst of Covid-19 may now be behind us. He does not expect another variant which might send us backwards. Instead, he says it is time to get organised and make sure the “chaos” of the last two years isn’t repeated when the next virus comes along.
Out words: Had with covid
Dur: 0’22”
There is a strong medical and economic case for a “rapid reopening” on Friday – that’s according to Barry Andrews. The Fianna Fáil MEP says he was an early advocate of restrictions when the signs were bad. Now he says it is important to be just as quick in unlocking again.
Out words: In both directions
Dur: 0’30”
The Mercosur Trade Agreement between the EU and four South American countries is unlikely to progress during the French presidency of the EU Council which began this month.
That’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.
In 2019, the EU reached a deal with the four Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. But the massive trade deal still has to be ratified by EU member states and the European Parliament and Council.
And Billy Kelleher says progress on the deal isn’t likely during the French presidency.
Out words: French presidency
Dur: 00:16
The French government is at the helm of Europe at an important time for climate change – that’s according to Irish Green MEP, Ciarán Cuffe. France has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Council. Setting out his vision in the European Parliament this morning, President Emmanual Macron, put climate change at the top of his agenda, saying Europe needed to move from “words to deeds”. The EU’s ‘fit for 55’ package would see net emissions reduced by 55 per cent by 2030. Ciarán Cuffe says it will be up to Macron to deliver.
Out words: The climate package
Dur: 0’25”
Ireland’s electricity supply could end up nuclear-powered – that’s according to one of our Green MEPs. The so-called Celtic Interconnector – a cable connecting Ireland and France – is due to go live in 2026. And whilst Ireland is investing in renewables, French nuclear energy may be needed on windless days. Although nuclear is not his preferred option, Dublin MEP, Ciaran Cuffe believes it will be a step towards net zero for Ireland.
Out words: Our power grid
Dur: 0’23”
The French presidency of the Council of the EU is likely to be more political with France’s president in favour of a stronger and more collaborative Europe.
That’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.
France took over the six-month presidency of the EU Council in January. And today the French president Emmanuel Macron will outline France’s priorities over the next six months during an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Billy Kelleher says there’s been a fundamental change in European politics since the UK left the bloc with Germany and France now dominating its direction.
Out words: take Europe
Dur: 00:35
MEPs in the European Parliament have been expressing their condolences at the passing of the former president David Sassoli who died last week at the age of sixty five (65).
He had been suffering from ill health for several months. Today MEPs elected his successor. Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola, who’s part of the European People’s Party Group, got elected in the first round of voting.
She paid tribute to Mr Sassoli during her acceptance speech. A commemoration ceremony was held for him last night in the Parliament in Strasbourg.
Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey said there is much sadness and shock at his death.
Out words: for people
Dur: 00:25
The European Parliament’s newly elected president will bring energy, youth and a “much-needed vision” to the EU institution.
That’s according to Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey. This morning the majority of MEPs voted to elect the Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola to be president of the parliament for the next two and a half years.
She takes over from the late David Sassoli who died last week just before the end of his term in office. The forty three (43) year old is the youngest ever president of the Parliament and only the third woman to hold that position.
Here’s Colm Markey.
Out words: as well
Dur: 00:16
The youngest ever president of the European Parliament has just been elected. Forty three year old Roberta Metsola from Malta is only the third woman to hold the position.
The centre-right MEP who is a former vice-president of the Parliament, was elected this morning in the first round of voting. She’ll hold the presidency for the next two and a half years. She succeeds Italy’s David Sassoli who died last week just before the end of his term in office.
During her acceptance speech in the Parliament in Strasbourg, she paid tribute to Ashling Murphy and said she stood on the shoulders of giants including those women whose lives were ‘stolen’ this year.
You can hear highlights from Roberta Metsola’s speech in the following podcast. It begins with her reference to the late David Sassoli.
Out words: for them
Dur: 05:43
