EuroParlRadio

Plan B on Brexit may be needed – McGuinness

The failure of the EU and UK to make much progress on the Brexit trade talks may necessitate the need for a Plan B if both sides can’t reach an agreement.

That’s the view of the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness.

The third round of Brexit trade talks between both sides ended today (Friday) with little progress. They’re struggling to reach a compromise on major issues such as fishing rights and the so-called level-playing field.

The UK have until June to decide if they want to extend the Brexit transition period beyond the end of the year.

But Mairead McGuinness fears Boris Johnson won’t be interested in any extensions.   

Out words:

Dur: 1:11

“Extraordinary confluence of tragedies” on Brexit trade talks – McGuinness

The third round of Brexit trade talks between the EU and the UK have ended with little progress. The EU and UK Brexit teams have been holding virtual meetings. But they ended without much resolution today.

Both sides are struggling to reach an agreement on major issues such as fishing rights and the EU’s demand for the so-called level-playing field. That would require the UK to adhere to certain EU rules and standards to benefit from the single market. 

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness says the arrival of the Covid pandemic is making the negotiations even more difficult.

 

“Little England” “slash and burn” mind-set playing havoc on Brexit – MacManus

The (Irish) government needs to stress to the EU how much Ireland is in jeopardy because of the struggling Brexit talks. That’s the warning from the Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus.

The third round of Brexit negotiations between the EU and the UK have ended with little progress. 

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier voiced his disappointment today in what he referred to as the UK’s lack of ambition in the negotiations.  

Chris MacManus says a slash and burn mind-set within the UK government is creating havoc.

Out words: of it

Dur; 00:35

We’re “hurtling towards” a hard border – MacManus

The third round of Brexit talks between the EU and the UK have ended with little progress. The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier voiced his disappointment today in what he referred to as the UK’s lack of ambition in the negotiations.  

Meanwhile the UK’s Brexit negotiator David Frost said in a statement that there had been “very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues”.

Mr Frost cited the “level playing field” as a major obstacle to progress.

The Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus says there’s little time left for the EU to broker a trade agreement with the UK.

Out: an understatement

Dur: 00:38

Tech Giants’ role in contact tracing apps limited to technology developments – Clune

The role of some technology companies in the facilitation of Covid contact tracing apps, is causing concern among some people about the use of their personal data.

Most EU countries have already launched or intend to launch a mobile tracing app designed to track individuals who are infected or at risk of contracting the virus.

The European Parliament this week warned that citizens need data protection and privacy safeguards in how the apps are used to manage the spread of the pandemic.

Both Google and Apple are building software to make the apps work better. But the Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says the Tech Giants won’t be involved in the day to day operations of the apps.

Out words: between them

Dur: 00:34

Covid tracing apps “necessary” but mustn’t breach privacy rules – Clune

The European Parliament is calling for the use of Covid tracing apps to be voluntary, non-discriminatory and transparent.

They’re warning the use of the apps must be strictly limited to contact tracing and the data must be deleted as soon as the situation allows.

The Parliament has been holding its plenary session in Brussels this week. MEPs debated how contact tracing apps could help to manage the spread of the pandemic.

Here’s Deirdre Clune.

Out words: coronavirus

Dur: 00:22

EU Recovery plan “very urgent” – Fitzgerald

The European Parliament is insisting it has its say in the design, adoption and implementation of the much-anticipated EU Recovery plan.

The European Commission is currently drawing up a Recovery strategy to help EU economies deal with the fallout of the Covid crisis. MEPs are calling for a two trillion euro package which would include long-term bonds, grants and favourable loans to EU countries.  

The Plan is supposed to be unveiled next week following delays.

The Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says the EU needs to roll out its range of economic assistance as soon as possible.

Out words: solidarity means

Dur: 00:37

Report on EU Recovery plan – Podcast 1

The European Parliament is calling for up to two trillion euro to be dedicated to the EU covid recovery plan. MEPs are this week voting on a resolution that calls for a range of ambitious measures to be included in the European Commission’s proposal to help EU economies struggling with the fallout of the pandemic. PACKAGED REPORT

EuroParlRadio's Editor Karen Coleman has this report. 

 

 

Covid tracing apps must protect citizens’ privacy & data MEPs insist – Andrews

The data protection and privacy rights of citizens in the EU must be safeguarded when mobile tracing apps are used to manage the spread of the coronavirus.

That was the warning from MEPs in the European Parliament today during a debate on the use of Covid tracing apps.

Most EU countries have already launched or intend to launch a mobile tracing app designed to track individuals who are infected or at risk of contracting the virus.

Here’s the Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews.

Out words: to tracing

Dur: 00:16

2 trillion euro "essential for EU recovery plan – Andrews

The Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews says the EU Covid recovery plan will have to be at least two trillion euro in value.

MEPs are this week voting on a resolution that calls for a wide range of ambitious measures to be included in the EU Recovery plan. It’s supposed to help European economies cope with the fallout from the pandemic.

The Recovery plan is currently being drawn up by the European Commission. The Parliament is insisting it’s given the opportunity to scrutinise and have its say on the final proposals.

Here’s Barry Andrews

Out words: other hand

Dur: 00:38