EuroParlRadio

EU Brexit negotiator ‘incredibly engaged’ on Irish question – McGuinness

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is ‘incredibly engaged’ when it comes to Ireland’s situation in the Brexit negotiations. That’s according to the Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness. She met Mr Barnier in Strasbourg this week where the European Parliament has been holding its plenary session. The next round of Brexit talks have been delayed for a week. But Mairead McGuinness says Mr Barnier is devoting a lot of time to talk with the Irish on Brexit.

Out words: of Ireland

Dur: 00:40

MEPs approve extra €500m for youth unemployment – Clune

The European Parliament has approved an extra half a billion euro to help unemployed young people in the EU. The funds will go to the EU’s Youth Employment Initiative which was set up in 2013 to tackle the high rate of unemployment among young people. The extra money will help support new job placements, traineeships and further education for those most in need. The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune, who is on the Parliament’s Employment Committee, now explains how the funds could benefit unemployed youth in Ireland. 

Out words: the Parliament

Dur: 00:33

Ireland’s neutrality needs to be looked at – Hayes

Ireland’s neutral status needs to be looked at especially in the light of new threats facing the EU. That’s the recommendation from the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes. His comments followed statements this morning on European defence by the EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker. During his State of the Union Address to the European Parliament, Mr Juncker told MEPs the establishment of a European Defence Fund was on the EU agenda. And he added that by 2025, the EU would need a functioning European defence union. Critics of such moves say it would compromise Irish neutrality. However, Brian Hayes believes our neutrality needs revisiting.

Out words: the European Union

Dur: 00:41

Juncker’s proposal to merge top EU jobs a ‘power grab’ – Carthy

The EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker has called for a merging of the jobs of the president of the European Commission and the European Council. Mr Juncker made the recommendation during his annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg this morning. The former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is the current president of the European Council. It represents the heads of state or governments of EU countries. Mr Juncker said a merging of the two positions would lead to more efficiency in the EU. However, Matt Carthy says Juncker’s proposition amounts to a power grab.

Out words: European institutions

Dur: 00:35

Juncker failing to recognise austerity fallout in Ireland – Carthy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has accused the President of the European Commission of failing to recognise the fallout of the EU’s austerity measures. This morning Jean-Claude Juncker delivered his annual State of the Union address to MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He told them the wind was back in Europe’s sails and that growth in the EU had outstripped that of the US. However, Matt Carthy says Mr Juncker’s optimism ignored the effects of the economic crisis that are still being felt back home.

Out words: Jean-Claude Juncker

Dur: 00:40

Carthy slams Juncker State of Union address

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has slammed this morning’s State of the Union address by the European Commission President. During his address Jean-Claude Juncker told MEPs that European economies are gathering momentum and that unemployment is at a nine-year low. However, Matt Carthy says Mr Juncker’s address reflected a federalist agenda. 

Out words: democratic oversight

Dur: 00:42

Juncker’s EU Finance Minister not needed – Hayes

The President of the European Commission this morning reiterated calls for an EU Economy and Finance Minister. During his State of the Union address to the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker said such a person should coordinate all EU financing instruments and step in whenever a member state is facing a recession or fundamental crisis. Mr Juncker said the role could be held by an EU Commissioner responsible for economy and finance. However, the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says such a position is not required.

Out words: member states

Dur: 00:38

Juncker’s foreign investment screening needs careful scrutiny – Hayes

The President of the European Commission this morning outlined plans to screen foreign direct investments in EU countries. During his State of the Union address to the European Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker spoke about the need for a new framework to examine foreign investments in EU states. However, the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes says any new FDI regulation needs to be studied carefully.

Out words: of America

Dur: 00:43

Clip of Jean-Claude Juncker's State of Union Address 2017

English-language clip of Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union address to the European Parliament this morning. The piece starts with Mr Juncker talking about the state of the EU a year ago.

Out words: twenty five

Dur: 5:48

European economies ‘bouncing back’ – Juncker tells MEPs

The President of the European Commission this morning told the European Parliament that Europe’s economies are bouncing back ten years after the economic crash happened. Jean-Claude Juncker delivered his annual State of the Union address to MEPs. During it he said growth in the EU had outstripped that of the US and that unemployment is at a nine-year low. But Mr Juncker urged MEPs to ensure the positive turn-around is maintained.

Out words: twenty five

Dur: 00:27