EuroParlRadio

“Lets get our house in order to tackle COVID-19” - Andrews

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says we need to get our house in order to deliver whatever Europe offers in response to COVID-19.

He was speaking as the European Parliament votes remotely on measures to help member states recover from the economic fallout.

Yesterday, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael published a policy document on government formation.

Barry Andrews says legacy and party identity issues must be put aside

 

Out words: in order

 

Dur: 0:39

EU chef hails COVID heroes from"balcony clappers" to mask-makers

The COVID-19 crisis will probably redefine European politics and possibly globalisation itself. That’s the verdict from the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

She expressed those sentiments during a debate in the European Parliament this morning on the pandemic.

The EU chief told the scattering of MEPs present, that Europe will need to stick together through thick and thin.    

And she acknowledged all those who’re helping out right now.

Out words: care workers

Dur: 00:40

 

EU boss calls for Marshall plan for Europe’s recovery – Von der Leyen

The president of the European Commission has called for a Marshall Plan for Europe in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Ursula von der Leyen made the call during a speech in the European Parliament this morning.

She told the scattering of MEPs present in the Brussels chamber, that Europe has never had an economic shutdown like the current one. And she said unprecedented measures would be needed to ensure European economies would be ready to bounce forward as soon as possible.

Out words: after Corona

Dur: 00:35

What are your rights if EU flights are cancelled? MEP Clune

Just what are your rights if your flights have been cancelled or you are stranded in another EU country as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?

Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune is on the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.

She explains what you’re entitled to.

 

More EU funding needed for health research in COVID crisis - Cuffe

The Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe is calling for more EU funds for health research in the light of the COVID-19 crisis. 

The European Commission has already secured multi-million funds for urgently needed research on COVID-19 vaccine development.

The Dublin MEP believes the pandemic will inevitably lead to significant changes in our societies.

Out words: human condition

Dur: 00:34

EU needs to ensure goods move freely around Europe – Clune

EU countries need to keep their borders open to ensure food produce and other goods including emergency medical supplies can move freely from one EU country to another.

That’s the advice from the Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune. The European Parliament this week voted almost unanimously for three emergency measures to help EU countries cope with the fallout of the pandemic.

The EU Commission is urging member states not to shut their borders but to keep them open to enable free movement of essential goods

Out words: across Borders

Dur: 00:34

“Coronabonds essential for COVID recovery” - Andrews

The Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews is backing calls for a ‘common debt instrument’ to tackle the economic fallout of COVID-19 in Europe.

Ireland is one of nine countries to look for so called ‘corona-bonds’ which would see debt shared across member states.

It’s reported richer countries like Germany and the Netherlands oppose the idea.

Barry Andrews says it’s time for the EU to act in solidarity

 

Out words: states as well

 

Dur: 0:38

“COVID-19 a big test for Europe” - Andrews

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews says the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity for the EU to reinvent itself.

At the moment, health policy is a matter for national Governments and the bloc has been under pressure to come up with a unified response.

The outbreak has also seen member states close their borders in an effort to contain the virus.

Barry Andrews says the crisis is a big test for the EU

 

Out words: very soon

 

Dur: 0:24

How will the EU deal with the COVID-19 fallout? - Podcast #3

After a shaky start, the EU is finally making decisions to deal with the COVID-19 crisis head-on.

Last week (March 26th) the European Parliament voted in favour of the first emergency measures and now, attention is now turning to the wider economic fallout.

There have been calls for a major stimulus package but there’s disagreement about who should carry the debt burden.
 
Kevin Purcell reports from Brussels

MEPs pass emergency measures on COVID-19 - PODCAST #2

The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly on Thursday for new measures to help with the COVID-19 crisis.

MEPs gave the green light to three initiatives which include the Coronavirus Response Initiative which will make thirty seven billion euro (€37bn) available to EU countries to address the consequences of the crisis.

It was the first time MEPs voted remotely with hundreds of them sending in their votes online.

Karen Coleman now reports on the proceedings of the day.