EuroParlRadio

Renovations can “dramatically” reduce Russian energy imports – Cuffe

Negotiations are continuing to try to get an agreement among the EU’s twenty seven countries on the latest proposed sanctions against Russia.

The European Commission is proposing to end imports of Russian oil by the end of the year. But already some EU countries like Hungary and Slovakia have voiced strong opposition to the proposals.

However Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe says ways can be found to reduce the EU’s dependency on Russia for energy supplies.

Out words: from Russia

Dur: 00:23

Resistance to 6th round of sanctions “understandable”– O’Sullivan

Resistance by some EU countries to the 6^th round of proposed sanctions against Russia is “understandable”. So says Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan.

Hungary and Slovakia have both voiced strong concerns about the European Commission plans to end Russian oil imports by the end of the year. And several more EU countries have problems with other parts of the sanctions package. Negotiations are continuing to reach an agreement on the proposed sanctions.  

Here’s Grace O’Sullivan.

Out words: on Ukraine

Dur: 00:23

Irish law should be Europe-wide – Fitzgerald

Ireland’s former justice minister wants to see her criminal law extended Europe-wide to protect Ukrainian women and children. More than five million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war. There are concerns that refugees are vulnerable to exploitation. It is an issue being debated in the European Parliament today. In 2015, the then Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, brought in the sexual offences act. She says it is helping to protect Ukrainian women in Ireland now, but the same principles need to be applied right across the EU.

Out words: Across Europe

Dur: 0’20”

Ukraine war is a cyber wake-up - Kelly

A senior Fine Gael MEP is warning to expect more cyber attacks from Russia whatever the result of the Ukraine war. In recent years, not just Ireland, but many European countries have experienced serious cyber attacks. Ukraine itself continues to be subjected to cyber warfare, according to the EU. The issue of cyber attacks has been raised in a debate in the European Parliament this week. The EU wants to increase information sharing between data security experts and a dedicated Joint Cyber Unit to bolster defences. Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, is urging us to take what seems like an invisible danger more seriously.

Out words: Ward this off

Dur: 0’22”

Ill-prepared one year after HSE cyber attack - Kelly

One year after a major attack on HSE computer systems, Europe’s defences are not up to scratch – that’s according to Sean Kelly. In May 2021, attackers brought the IT system of the Irish health service to its knees. A subsequent report branded HSE systems as “frail”. The issue of cyber attacks has been debated this week in the European Parliament. The EU has proposed a Joint Cyber Unit, but it is still not up and running. Fine Gael MEP, Sean Kelly, backs the idea of Europe-wide defences. He is worried that we’re still not ready.

Out words: On its own

Dur: 0’20”

US “sees big opportunities” from Ukraine war – Wallace

The Independents for change MEP Mick Wallace says the United States “sees big opportunities” from the Russian war on Ukraine.   

He was speaking in the European Parliament following the announcement this morning of a sixth round of proposed EU sanctions against Russia. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, told MEPs the Commission is proposing a complete ban on imports of Russian oil to Europe by the end of the year.

Mick Wallace said Ukraine, the EU and the Global South “are the biggest losers in this war” but that the US “needs the war to reinforce” what he called the “unipolar power”.   

Out words: the price

Dur: 00:47

 

Fitzgerald welcomes oil sanctions

Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed EU plans for new sanctions against Russia. The European Commission has proposed sanctioning more military officers, three more banks and, most importantly, cutting off Russian oil by the end of the year. EU 27 governments will need to sign off the sanctions before they come into effect and there are reports some eastern European countries may be given more time to move off oil. Dublin MEP, Frances Fitzgerald, accepts that cutting oil will hurt us as well as Russia, but she says we have to move away from Russian energy.

Out words: Fuel poverty

Dur: 0’19”

Andrews calls for path to nuclear weapons ban

The world needs to start on a "pathway" to banning nuclear weapons – that’s the call from MEP, Barry Andrews. The countries signed up to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are due to meet for the first time next month. Ireland was one of the founding signatories. Barry Andrews is disappointed that the EU will not be attending. The war in Ukraine has brought back the shadow of a nuclear threat to Europe. Barry Andrews says it is high time we started on the road to ridding the world of nuclear weapons.

Out words: Absolutely extraordinary

Dur: 0’21”

EU funding tied up in ‘stolen’ planes - Markey

EU cash is tied up in Irish planes stuck in Russia, according to Colm Markey. The European Parliament is expected to discuss the issue this afternoon. The resolution, which will be put to the vote on Thursday condemns what it calls an intolerable “theft” and demands an immediate return of the aircraft. Fine Gael MEP, Colm Markey, sits on the transport committee in the European Parliament. He says EU bank money is involved. And he warns that Russia is setting a precedent which could undermine the viability of the aircraft leasing industry.

Out words: Insurance sector

Dur: 0’17”

“Difficult situation” for €4bn Irish planes in Russia

Irish-owned planes stuck in Russia are unlikely to be returned any time soon, that’s according to Colm Markey. Hundreds of aircraft owned by Irish leasing companies have not been returned since EU sanctions came into force. In its financial results, published today, leasing firm Avolon, announced a net loss and admitted that ten of its aircraft stuck in Russia had led to “an impairment” of close to €300 million. The issue is expected to be raised in the European Parliament this afternoon. Fine Gael MEP, Colm Markey, believes sanctions will limit Russia's ability to fly the planes.

Out words: Difficult situation

Dur: 0’21”