EuroParlRadio

Podcast 1 on European Parliament COVID-19 session Brussels

The President of the European Commission told the European Parliament on Thursday that Europe is now the world’s “beating heart of solidarity” and that made her proud to be a European.  

Ursula von der Leyen was taking part in a debate on the COVID-19 crisis. The MEPs are calling for a stronger EU response to the coronavirus crisis.

EuroParlRadio’s editor Karen Coleman now has this report on some of the key issues of the debate.

In words: The President

Out: care workers

Dur: 4:57

Daly slams EU COVID-19 rescue measures as “pathetic”

The “relentless pursuit of neo-liberal capitalism” has hampered the EU’s ability to deal with the Covid-19 crisis and caused the damage. That was the view expressed today by the Independents for Change MEP Clare Daly.

She was speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels where a debate on the COVID-19 crisis was held.

Out words: European Union

Dur: 00:40 

Cuffe says ‘coronabonds’ still a possibility

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says so called ‘coronabonds’ could still form part of the EU’s Covid rescue package.

Finance Ministers have already agreed a fund worth half a trillion euro to respond to the crisis.

However, a plan to pool borrowing amoung EU member states remains divisive.

Ciarán Cuffe says it could still be a possibility in the future

 

Out words: months ahead  

 

Dur: 0:34

MEPs call for stronger measures to tackle COVID-19 – Kelleher

MEPs are calling for more coordinated European action to protect EU citizens and economies from the fallout of the COVID 19 crisis.

They made their demands during a debate on the pandemic which was held in Brussels this morning. The vast majority of MEPs had to participate remotely. They included the Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

The Ireland South MEP says EU countries aren’t showing enough solidarity in coming up with proper economic rescue measures to help member states deal with the economic fallout.

Out words: many years  

Dur : 00:40    

Cuffe calls for simple system to access EU COVID funds

Bureaucracy shouldn’t get in the way of small businesses trying to access emergency EU funding.

That’s the warning from Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe who was reacting to measures announced by Europe to tackle the COVID crisis and the economic fallout.

The European Investment Bank has already promised a 200-billion-euro fund for small and medium sized enterprises.

Ciarán Cuffe says national Governments will decide how the money is spent

 

Out words: affected businesses  

 

Dur: 0:30

Walsh calls for new measures to tackle domestic violence

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says every EU member state needs to provide fast and safe accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

She was reacting to reports that cases have increased across Europe since the lockdown measures began.

The Women’s Rights Committee in the European Parliament has heard that it’s difficult for victims to call helplines as they’re stuck at home with their abuser.

Maria Walsh says it’s heartbreaking

 

Out words: heartbreaking

 

Dur: 0:31

Andrews calls on EU to coordinate COVID exit strategy

Dublin MEP Barry Andrews says the EU member states need to work together on the COVID-19 exit strategy.

Yesterday, the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen unveiled a roadmap towards lifting containment measures.

However, some countries have already moved ahead to ease restrictions.

Barry Andrews says it’s important that everyone is on the same page

 

Out words: the better

 

Dur: 0:38

Human dimension of politics shelved for the moment – McGuinness

The European Parliament is holding its plenary session in Brussels today but most of the Irish MEPs aren’t able to attend because of the travel restrictions.

Some MEPs are concerned the parliamentary democratic process will be undermined if politicians are forced to continue to work remotely.

Here’s the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness.

Out words: much longer

Dur: 00:22

Remote Parliamentary work “far from ideal” – McGuinness

European and national Parliamentary democracy is in danger of being undermined as politicians are forced to work remotely. That’s the warning from the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness who was speaking from her home in Meath.

Like most of the Irish MEPs, she’s unable to attend the European Parliament’s plenary session in Brussels today.

The Midlands North-West MEP says the Parliament’s rules mean only those able to attend the session can air their views during it.

Out words: to account  

Dur: 00:40

“EU can do more to deal with rise in domestic violence” - Walsh

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has described a rise in domestic violence in Europe as heartbreaking”.

It's reported that cases increased by a third in some countries after the lockdown was put in place.

The Chair of the European Parliament committee on women’s rights has urged the EU and member states to offer more support to victims. 

Maria Walsh outlines what should be done

 

Out words: restrictions lift

 

Dur: 0:29