EuroParlRadio

Fisheries a key sticking point on EU-UK trade talks – Von der Leyen

Agreement on fisheries remains a key sticking point in the Brexit trade negotiations between the EU and the UK.

That’s according to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.

She told MEPs today that a level playing field, governance and police and judicial cooperation were the three other outstanding issues that are stalling the negotiations.

The EU chief gave MEPs more details about why agreement on fishing rights remains a stumbling block in the talks.   

Out words: mechanisms

Dur: 00:28

EU won’t compromise principles & integrity of Union for EU-UK trade deal – von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission says the EU will do all in its power to reach a trade agreement with the UK in the little time that’s left to broker a deal.  

Ursula von der Leyen was updating the European Parliament today on the state of the EU-UK Brexit trade negotiations.

She told MEPs that last Monday Boris Johnson told herself and the presidents of the European Parliament and Council, that the UK does not want to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of the year.

She said that left very little time to strike a deal.  

Out words: European citizens

Dur: 00:20

We must “act immediately” on racism – Von der Leyen

The President of the European Commission today called for racism and discrimination to be tackled across all levels of society.

Ursula von der Leyen made the plea during an address to the European Parliament in Brussels.

MEPs debated the levels of racism in society and the death of the African-American George Floyd after he was arrested by police officers in Minneapolis last month.  

Ursula von der Leyen warned there was no place for racism or any kind of discrimination in the European Union. 

Out words: of us

Dur: 00:21

No prospect of holidaying abroad any time soon – Clune

Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says she doesn’t expect many Irish people to be heading abroad while self-isolation rules remain in place.

Anyone arriving back into the country must quarantine for 14 days and the advice remains not to travel overseas.

That’s despite many countries in mainland Europe re-opening their borders to tourists without any restrictions.

The Ireland South MEP says the Irish Government is simply following expert advice

 

Out words: at home

 

Dur: 0:35

“Brexit can’t hinder Irish supply chain” – Kelleher

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher says he’s concerned about disruption to the Irish supply chain if a trade deal is not agreed between the UK and the EU.

Every day, up to ten thousand trucks use the UK land-bridge to reach mainland Europe via Calais.

Billy Kelleher was speaking as effort intensify to reach an agreement in the coming months.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Parliament today that the EU will do everything in its power to get a deal.

Billy Kelleher says Ireland will be watching closely

 

Out words: concerned about it

 

Dur: 0:25

 

“No role for racism” or discrimination in Europe – Von der Leyen

MEPs in the European Parliament have been condemning racism in society and the death of the African-American George Floyd after he was arrested by police officers in Minneapolis last month.  

His death sparked a series of demonstrations across the globe.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs today that she didn’t know what it was like to be black but she said racism needs to be tackled across the board.

Out words: for sure (followed by clapping)

Dur: 00:37 INCLUDING CLAPPING

 

00:31 WITHOUT CLAPPING

“Irish tourism needs a kick-start” – Clune

The Irish tourism sector needs a kick-start once it’s safe for visitors to come to the country.

That’s according to Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Deirdre Clune who sits on the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee.

Tourism has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak and MEPs are this week discussing what more can be done to revive the sector.  

Deirdre Clune says the proposed new Irish Government is also looking at ways to bring more tourists into the country

Out words: tourist destinations

 

Dur: 0:34

 

Better and safer cycle lanes for kids “the tipping point” – Cuffe

The Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe says the proposed new government will need to put a lot more money and resources into public transport and walking and cycling.

The Dublin MEP says the Party’s members are more likely to favour the Green’s participation in a new government, if those measures will be delivered on .

Mr Cuffe, who’s been cycling Dublin’s streets for years, says a good start would be to develop better and safer cycle lanes for school kids.

Out words: it now

Dur: 00:43

Kelleher hopeful of Brexit breakthrough

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher says he’s hopeful that a trade deal can be agreed between the UK and the EU.

Both sides have 6 months to come to an agreement after the British Government ruled out extending the Brexit transition period.

MEPs are discussing the issue today and will vote on the European Parliament’s position on the ongoing talks tomorrow.

Billy Kelleher hopes that common sense prevails

 

Out words: an agreement

 

Dur: 0:36

EU money for farmers will have to be used more innovatively – Cuffe

The EU will play a “central” role in the way Irish farming will operate in the future.

That’s according to the Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe. 

The European Union’s new Green Deal aims to transform the 27 member bloc from a high-carbon to a low-carbon economy over the next few decades.

Green issues such as reduction in carbon emissions are part of the proposed programme for government.

Ciarán Cuffe says the climate emergency will influence future Irish farming practices and that the EU will support the agricultural sector to make the change to become more carbon neutral.  

Out words: of this

Dur: 00:43

 

EARLY OUT AT 00:28 (the farm)