EuroParlRadio

Europe will “see the pandemic coming” next time - Clune

Beefed up EU agencies will help protect us from future pandemics – that’s according to Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune. The European Medicines Agency has played a central role during covid, responsible for licencing treatments and vaccines. Now its remit could be extended. The European Parliament will debate the plans in a debate this afternoon. The proposals would see the EMA gain new powers to spot drug shortages and prepare for possible health crises. Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune, is convinced it will buffer Europe from future dangers.

Out words: European member states

Dur: 0’26”

EU should cut funds if eco targets not met – O’Sullivan

The EU should consider withholding cash from countries that don’t meet their environmental targets – that’s the view of Grace O’Sullivan. The Green MEP was tasked with setting out Europe’s green priorities for the coming ten years. Her report, which will be put to the vote later this week, will form the basis of future EU law. She wants to see the EU take action against countries that don’t play their part in tackling climate change.  

Out words: Are being reached

Dur: 0’22”

Europe eco “sinking ship” – O’Sullivan

Europe needs a plan to 'bail out of the sinking ship' of climate disaster – that’s according to one of our Green MEPs. Grace O’Sullivan was selected as the lead MEP to set out what she believes should be Europe’s environmental priorities between now and 2030. Her report will be put to the vote of the full European Parliament in Strasbourg later this week. The EU has already promised to reduce greenhouse gasses by 55 per cent compared to 1990 by the year 2030. Grace O’Sullivan says she wants constant monitoring of targets for all EU countries with penalties for those who fail to get greener quick enough.

 

Out words: Corrective action

Dur: 0’24”

Andrews pleas for tourist cert recognition

Ireland must be ready to welcome European tourists even if our digital certificates are not ready by 19 July – that’s according to Barry Andrews. Ireland is the only EU country not to have a system for digital covid certificates up and running. Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews, believe the chances the government will be ready for 19 July “hangs in the balance”. But he says even if they’re not ready to issue certificates for Irish citizens, the government should at least be prepared to recognise certificates from the rest of Europe so that tourists can still come to Ireland this summer.

 

Out words: Hospitality industry

Dur: 0’21”

Covid certs failure “poor” - Fianna Fáil MEP

Ireland’s failure to get covid certificates ready is “disappointing” and cannot be wholly blamed on the cyber attack – that’s according to a Fianna Fáil MEP. Every other EU country except Ireland got their systems up and running by the 1^st July deadline. The EU digital covid certificates allow passengers to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from coronavirus. Dublin MEP, Barry Andrews, says our travel industry has lost half the summer already and he is not confident the government will be able to stick to its 19th July timetable.

 

Out words: Very poor situation

Dur: 0’19”

MEP accuses Slovenian PM of being part of ‘very sinister club’ – Strasbourg

The Prime Minister of Slovenia was this morning accused of being part of ‘a very sinister club’ that’s undermining democratic rights and the rule of law.

Janez Janša was heavily criticised during a debate in the European Parliament on Slovenia’s presidency of the EU Council which it’s just assumed.

Mr Janša has been heavily criticised for trying to undermine the media and judiciary and cultural organisations in his own country.

The Dutch MEP Malik Azmani accused the Slovenian PM of saying one thing and doing another when it comes to respecting EU fundamental values.  

Out words: at all

Dur: 00:26

Slovenia’s EU presidency will be watched ‘carefully’ – Cuffe

Slovenia’s six month presidency of the Council of the European Union will be watched 'carefully' for rule of law and democracy issues such as media freedom and judicial independence.

So says Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe who was speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

MEPs this morning engaged in a heated debate with the Slovene Prime Minister Janez Janša (prn Yan-Sha). Slovenia took over the the rotating presidency of the EU Council last week. But its already been overshadowed by concerns Mr Janša is trying to undermine the media and judiciary and cultural organisations in his own country.

Ciarán Cuffe says Mr Janša is displaying a damaging populist trend that’s present in other countries like the UK, Hungary and Poland.

Out words: other institutions

Dur: 00:26

Fishermen should be consulted on wind farms – Markey

The European Parliament is expected to call for traditional fishing grounds to be declared wind farm free zones. MEPs are worried that, as more and more offshore wind farms are developed, it could become harder for fishermen and the natural habitat to compete. A resolution being put to the vote in Strasbourg later asks for fishermen to be a part of the wind farm planning process. Fine Gael MEP, Colm Markey, agrees. But he says more work needs to be done to assess whether wind farms are good or bad for fishing.

Out words: Should be consulted  

Dur: 0’25”

MEPs slam Slovenian EU Presidency on Rule of Law issues – Cuffe

The Prime Minister of Slovenia came in for stinging criticism this morning during a debate on the Slovene presidency of the EU which has just begun.

MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg slammed Janez Janša (prn Yan-sha) for his attacks on the media in Slovenia and other rule of law issues including judicial independence and respect for minority rights.

Slovenia took over the six month rotating presidency of the EU Council last week. But its already been overshadowed by concerns Mr Janša is trying to undermine the media and judiciary and cultural organisations in his own country.

Green MEP Ciáran Cuffe says it’s worrying Mr Janša is undermining rule of law issues which are at the heart of liberal EU.

Out words: European level

Dur: 00:41

MEPs voting on €6bn fishermen fund

MEPs are expected to give the go-ahead to a €6 billion fund to support European fishermen. The vote in Strasbourg is taking place this lunchtime with the result expected to be announced later. The new fund will run until 2027. It’s hoped the money will encourage more environmentally friendly fishing. Midlands North-West MEP, Colm Markey says the Irish fleet have had a tough time and he hopes the funding will help ensure a more sustainable future.

Out words: Very challenging environment

Dur: 0’22”