January 17, 2020
The EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly says she’ll be closely monitoring the actions of the new EU commission to ensure its future work is carried out properly.
Irish woman Emily O’Reilly was recently re-elected to the Ombudsman position for another five-year mandate.
The European Parliament this week urged the EU Ombudsman to continue to push for more transparency in the workings of the European Council and Commission.
Emily O’Reilly says they will be keeping a close eye on the work of Ursula von der Leyen’s new commission.
Out words: public interest
Dur: 00:42
January 17, 2020
The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional affairs will give its recommendation to the Parliament next week on whether or not it should give its consent to the EU-UK Withdrawal agreement.
MEPs are set to vote on the Brexit deal on January 29th once the UK has fully ratified it.
Trade negotiations between the bloc and Britain will then be expected to get underway either late February or early March.
The Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says Ireland will need to be exceptionally vigilant when it comes to securing its future trading interests with the UK.
Out words: vigilant (hard ending)
Dur: 00:37
January 17, 2020
Ireland will have to be “exceptionally vigilant” when it comes to protecting our trading interests with Britain once the EU-UK trade negotiations get underway.
That’s the warning from the Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.
Trade talks between the bloc and Britain will start shortly after the Brexit deal is fully ratified by the UK and the European Parliament. MEPs are set to vote on it on January 29th.
Mr Kelleher says the Irish fishing industry could be decimated if the UK closes its waters to the EU in the future.
Out words: percent
Dur: 00:23
January 16, 2020
The rule of law in Poland and Hungary has worsened since the EU triggered a mechanism that could potential lead to sanctions against both countries.
That’s the view of the European Parliament which today voted for a resolution calling on the EU Council and Commission to take greater steps to stop both countries from eroding the rule of law and fundamental rights.
The Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says Polish judges visited the European Parliament recently to discuss the crackdown on the judiciary there.
Out words: in Ireland
Dur: 00:40
January 16, 2020
Radical measures including EU-wide pesticide reduction targets and more sustainable agriculture and forestry practices much be introduced to save the planet from massive biodiversity loss.
That’s the majority view of the European Parliament which today voted for the upcoming global biodiversity conference COP 15 to agree on legally binding targets on biodiversity.
MEPs are insisting the EU lead the way by increasing EU budgets for biodiversity initiatives and taking it into account in all areas of EU policy.
THE Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says the erosion of biodiversity in Ireland is having a terrible impact.
Out words: our lives
Dur: 00:27
January 16, 2020
The citizens of Europe must be centrally involved in shaping the reform of the European Union.
So says the European Parliament which this week voted for a resolution on the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe which is to start in May.
MEPs want to see the establishment of several citizens’ assemblies involving people of all ages and backgrounds across the Bloc.
The Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says the EU has to do more to connect with the citizens of Europe.
Out words: them greatly
Dur: 00:30
January 15, 2020
The Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says he wants to vote for the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement but that he needs clarity around certain issues.
The Ireland South MEP is concerned about the future rights of EU citizens living in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK post Brexit.
Dur: 2:05
January 15, 2020
The Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says he wants to vote for the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement but that he needs clarity around certain issues.
The Ireland South MEP is concerned about the future rights of EU citizens living in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK post Brexit.
Mr Kelleher says people across the EU have “grave concerns” that EU citizens living in a post-Brexit UK will have to apply for a settlement status. He’s warning it’s “very questionable” whether they will get that status automatically.
Out words: do that
Dur: 00:33
January 15, 2020
Citizens of Europe must play a central role in shaping the future reform of the EU.
That’s a key recommendation made today by the European Parliament which voted on a resolution on the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe which is to start in May.
The aim of this new EU initiative is to engage people from across the EU in discussions that will help set the EU’s priorities and shape its future.
MEPs are proposing the establishment of several citizens’ assemblies involving people of all ages and backgrounds across the Bloc.
The Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says young people in her constituency are very engaged when it comes to European and international issues.
Out words: in Australia
Dur:00:38
January 15, 2020
The Taoiseach will host a dinner for the President of the European Commission in Dublin this evening.
Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Ireland today comes as the UK gets set to leave the EU and difficult trade talks between the EU bloc and the UK begin.
The Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan says she’s hoping the EU chief will listen to people during her trip to Dublin.
Out words: the EU
Dur: 00:31
