EuroParlRadio

Animals being ‘brutalised’ for humanity – Cuffe

The European Parliament will today debate ways to accelerate the transition to a research system that’s not based on the use of animals.

Animal testing for finished cosmetic products has been prohibited in the EU since 2004 and for cosmetic ingredients since 2009. However it’s still allowed for other research.

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe believes the EU needs to move faster to end animal testing for scientific and medical purposes.

Out words: protect humanity

Dur: 00:28

Animal testing for scientific/medical purposes needs to end – Cuffe

Testing on animals for scientific purposes should be stopped and alternative testing methods should be used instead. That’s the view of Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe who was speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

MEPs are today debating ways to accelerate the transition to a research system that’s not based on the use of animals. Ciarán Cuffe argues there’s no need to involve animals in scientific testing.

Out words: European Commission

Dur: 00:27

MEPs demand action on Hungary and Poland - Podcast

MEPs in the European Parliament are demanding that EU member countries and the European Commission take action against the continuous deterioration of EU fundamental values in Hungary and Poland.

In a debate in the Parliament on Wednesday, MEPs voiced strong opinions on Hungary’s recently-adopted law that prevents the depiction of LGBTI content in material intended for minors. Many MEPs called for EU action to stop any further risks to democracy in Hungary that are being sanctioned by its leader Viktor Orbán.

Some stressed that the Hungarian and Polish governments are using their attacks on EU values to cover up corruption and policy failures. Other MEPs accused the EU of double standards and said that LGBTI people and organisations face no obstacles in Hungary and Poland.

Karen Coleman has this round-up of that debate in this podcast. 

Time now for ‘decisive action’ against Hungary – Kelly

Hungary came in for blistering attacks from MEPs in the European Parliament today over its erosion of democratic rights and targeting of LGBTI people and other minorities.

MEPs demanded the European Commission take stronger action against Hungary for its recently-adopted law that bans the depiction of gay people in educational material.  

They also raised concerns about the erosion of media freedom and the independence of the judiciary and targeting of certain universities in Hungary all of which are being sanctioned by the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Sean Kelly Ireland South MEP, says the EU should take action now that Orbán’s Fidesz party has left the European People’s Party, the EPP, which is the biggest political group in the EU.

Out words: of months

Dur: 00:26

MEPs demand action on Hungary discrimination & abuses – Kelly

MEPs in the European Parliament are demanding stronger action be taken against Hungary for its increasing erosion of democratic and human rights in the country.

During debates in the Parliament in Strasbourg this morning, MEPs voiced strong opinions on Hungary’s recently-adopted law which prevents the depiction of LGBTI content in material intended for minors. Many MEPs called on member states and the European Commission to take action to stop any further risks to democracy in Hungary that are being sanctioned by its leader Viktor Orbán.

Some MEPs say EU funds should not be distributed to Hungary until it repeals its regressive laws and stops discriminating against minorities, the media and other organisations.

Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly MEP for Ireland South, says Hungary's discriminatory laws  are contrary to EU fundamental values.

Out words: European Union

Dur:  00:35

EU nearing “breaking point” over rule of law - Andrews

MEPs may be forced to consider if Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission is competent if she doesn’t uphold rule of law, according to Barry Andrews. The European Parliament has repeatedly raised concerns that EU values are being undermined in countries like Hungary and Poland. Hungary recently pushed through a law banning teaching about LGBT people in schools. That’s being seen as the final straw by many MEPs. Billions of Euro are due to be distributed by the EU as part of the €1.8 trillion covid recovery fund. Abiding by rule of law is supposed to be a condition for receiving the cash. Fianna Fáil’s Barry Andrews says the European Parliament’s role is to hold the EU to account and so far, on rule of law, it is failing.

Out words: Serious political clashes

Dur: 0’28”

‘Catastrophic failure’ if Covid certs not operable by July 19 – Kelleher

It would be a ‘catastrophic failure’ if the new EU digital covid certificates aren’t rolled out to enable people here to travel freely around the EU by July the 19^th.

That’s the warning from Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

People in Ireland who’ve been fully vaccinated, should begin to receive the digital Covid certificates from Monday. They’ll make it much easier for vaccinated holiday makers to travel within the EU.

The certs are already being used by other EU countries. But Billy Kelleher says there can’t be any further delays to their roll-out in Ireland.

Out words: of public administration

Dur: 00: 29

EU Covid travel certs shouldn’t be used for indoor hospitality – Kelleher

The new EU Covid travel cert shouldn’t be used for domestic reasons to enable those who’ve been vaccinated to enjoy indoor dining and drinking.

That’s the view of Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher.

People in Ireland – who’ve been fully vaccinated - should begin to receive the digital Covid certificates from Monday. The certs will make it much easier for vaccinated travellers to move freely around the EU.

However, Billy Kelleher is opposing suggestions that the certs could also be used by the hospitality sector in Ireland to screen diners and drinkers to serve them inside their premises.

Out words: support that

Dur: 00:26

Reopening vital for Ireland’s aviation industry - Markey

A managed reopening plan is urgently needed to ensure Ireland’s airline industry has a future – that’s according to a Fine Gael MEP. The airline industry has suffered as we have all mainly stayed at home during the past year. Aer Lingus has signalled that it will be a smaller operation for some time to come. Reports this week suggest that Irish regional routes may restart in October if the replacement for failed operator, Stobart Air, gets up and running in time. The European Parliament is debating whether the EU can offer more support, but Midlands North-West MEP, Colm Markey says reopening is the key.

Out words: Plan as well

Dur: 0’24”

Clune praises EU response to covid crisis

The role the EU played in response to covid has been praised by a Fine Gael MEP. The EU has started work on boosting its health agencies to learn the lessons from weaknesses revealed by the pandemic. The plans include broadening the remit for the European Medicines Agency and better co-ordination with the EU’s 27 member states. The proposals have the backing of MEP, Deirdre Clune. She says the EU did a good job, but it makes sense to go further.

Out words: Value of co-ordination  

Dur: 0’29”