EuroParlRadio

Europe’s Future up for debate at Dublin Castle – IIEA

European citizens from across the bloc including Ireland, will gather in Dublin Castle this weekend to help shape the future of the European Union.

It’s all part of the Conference on the future of Europe which is a year-long initiative organised by EU institutions. The goal is to engage as many people as possible in debates about Europe’s challenges and priorities.

Well the national host for this weekend’s event is the Dublin-based Institute of International and European Affairs. Hannah Deasy is the IIEA’s Communications Director. She explains what this weekend's event is about.

Out words: that event

Dur: 00:24

Millions of Afghans facing starvation because of Western governments – Andrews

Millions of people in Afghanistan are facing starvation and hunger because of decisions taken by Western Governments. That’s according to Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews who spoke about the Afghan crisis in the European Parliament this week.

He says western governments abandoned the Afghan people to the Taliban. And he’s demanding a review of current sanctions and asset freezes against the Afghan regime along with the suspension of critical development aid which is taking its toll.

Out words: women’s rights

Dur: 00:35

MEP calls for more transparency between EU institutions – O’Sullivan

Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan is calling for more transparency and openness between EU institutions especially when it comes to important policy areas.

She says crucial meetings between the European Parliament, Commission and Council are being held behind closed doors with little information being given to the public.

The issue of transparency and openness of EU institutions came up during the week when MEPs discussed the work of the European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly. Quality of services to citizens and transparency are two of the Ombudsman’s top priorities.

The Ireland South MEP says details of important EU meetings should be made available to everyone.   

Out words: transparency overall

Dur: 00: 23

New road charging rules for HGVs will impact Irish trucks – Cuffe

New road charging rules for heavy goods vehicles in the EU will impact Irish road hauliers. That’s according to Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe.

The European Parliament has just approved new, distance-based road charging rules for heavy goods vehicles (trucks, lorries and buses), which MEPs say will help reduce CO2 emissions.

The aim of the new rules is to move road charging from a time-based model to distance-based or an actual kilometres-driven system, to better reflect the polluter-pays and user-pays principles. They will apply to heavy goods vehicles using trans-European transport (TEN-T) network roads. 

Ciaran Cuffe explains how it will effect lorry drivers travelling to and from Ireland.

Out words: its journey

Dur: 00:18

MEPs approve greener road charging rules for heavy goods vehicles – Cuffe

The European Parliament has just approved new, distance-based road charging rules for heavy goods vehicles (trucks, lorries and buses), which MEPs say will help reduce CO2 emissions.

The aim of the new rules is to move road charging from a time-based model to distance-based or an actual kilometres-driven system, to better reflect the polluter-pays and user-pays principles. And it will apply to heavy goods vehicles using trans-European transport (TEN-T) network roads. 

The changes will harmonise the system of road charging across the EU. Green MEP Ciaran Cuffe explains.

Out words: to rail

Dur: 00:24

Online platforms ‘obligation’ to toy safety

Online platforms should have a responsibility to toy safety, says Billy Kelleher. European retailers and regulators regularly spot and report faults to the EU rapid alert system. Out of more than two thousand alert notifications sent out in 2020, the largest number of warnings – nearly one-third - were about dangerous toys. But those dangers may be missed in toys bought online directly from other parts of the world. Now the European Parliament is calling for EU safety rules to apply globally as Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, explains.

Out words: Is the case

Dur: 0’20”

Toys bought online undermining safety - Kelleher

Toys bought online from elsewhere in the world should be subject to the same safety standards as those made and sold within Europe – that’s the view of Billy Kelleher. Existing EU law sets tough standards on manufacturers of children’s toys. The European Parliament has now made a number of recommendations to further tighten up the law. Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, says the internet has changed the way parents are buying toys and the law needs to reflect that.

Out words: Fire retardness

Dur: 0’24”

Interview Barry Andrews MEP on Covid cert & signs of normality in EU

The European Parliament this week debated European Commission proposals to continue using the Digital Covid cert for travel around the EU until mid-next year.

Karen Coleman (EuroParlRadio Editor) spoke to Dublin MEP Barry Andrews about those proposals and she also asked him what it’s like now in Belgium which had very high Covid rates. 

Out words: the moment

Dur: 02:37

Irish people deserve easier access to treatment abroad – Clune

A report by the European Parliament has called for easier access to medical treatment abroad. In 2020 more than three thousand Irish people were reimbursed for treatment in another EU country. Most went to the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period. Britain is no longer part of the scheme. An agreement with Northern Ireland is set to run out at the end of this year. A final report by the European Parliament's cancer committee concludes that EU cross-border treatment should be made more straightforward. Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune, has been involved in the drafting of the recommendations. She says Ireland should be making the most of medical facilities across Europe.

 

Out words: Or wherever

Dur: 0’23”

EU Digital Covid cert should be extended to June 2023 – Andrews

Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews says the EU Digital Covid Cert should be extended until June 2023.

The European Parliament this week debated European Commission proposals to continue using the cert for travel around the EU until mid next year.

Barry Andrews believes ongoing uncertainty about the Covid virus, means the Digital Cert will still be needed until well into next year.

Out words: that reason

Dur: 00:32