EuroParlRadio

Serious questions about Turkey’s accession to EU – Fitzgerald

There is a serious discussion going on over whether or not Turkey should be allowed to become a member of the European Union.

So says Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald.

Turkey’s regressive stance on women was highlighted again during a recent trip of the European Commission President to Ankara.

Ursula von der Leyen was relegated to a sofa, while her European Council counterpart, Charles Michel sat on a stately chair next to the Turkish president.

Frances Fitzgerald says the incident raises questions about whether the EU should remain open to Turkey’s membership of the Bloc.

Out words: to day

Dur: 00:21

Kelleher urges digital tax delay

A global solution is needed to digital taxation, rather than countries going ahead on their own – that’s the view of Billy Kelleher. The European Commission has proposed a ‘digital levy’ as part of the answer to pay for the EU’s €1.8 trillion covid recovery fund. Since Joe Biden has become President in the USA, there is a new effort to get an international digital agreement, but a report in the European Parliament this week demands that the EU should go it alone if those international efforts fail. Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher, says it is right to give the new US administration time before acting.

Out words:  Benefit of everybody

Dur: 0’21”

Improved rail travel rights for people with disabilities – Cuffe

People with disabilities should enjoy better access and assistance when they want to take a train journey in the future.

That follows a vote in the European Parliament which saw the majority of MEPs support new rules to improve rail passengers’ rights.

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says the new rules will lead to improvements for those with reduced mobility.

Out words: a disability

Dur: 00:22

MEPs approve Better protections for Rail passengers – Cuffe

Rail passengers in the EU will be better protected if they experience delays and cancellations or if they face discrimination in the future.

The European Parliament today approved new rules on rail passengers’ rights.  The rules will guarantee that passengers can be re-routed and receive help when there are delays and cancellations.

There will also be access and assistance improvements for people with reduced mobility. And there will be more dedicated spaces for bicycles.

Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe explains more.

Out words: adequately compensated

Dur:00:18

NI Protocol ‘won’t be changed’ – Fitzgerald

Flexibility will be required from both the EU and the UK when it comes to ironing out problems with Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

So says Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald. Her comments followed the European Parliament’s overwhelming endorsement of the Brexit Trade and Cooperation deal.

Now both sides will have to abide by its terms. And the EU is threatening to impose sanctions and tariffs if the UK flouts the rules especially when it comes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Here’s Frances Fitzgerald.

Out words: hurried along  

Dur: 00:23

UK will be losers if Trade deal rules flouted – Fitzgerald

The UK will be subject to tariffs and sanctions if they deviate from the rules of the Brexit Trade and Cooperation Deal (the TCA) that was passed by the European Parliament yesterday.

That’s the warning from Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald. An overwhelming majority of MEPs voted for the deal which will come into full force on May 1^st.

But there are concerns the UK may not adhere to the rules especially when it comes to Northern Ireland and the Protocol.

Frances Fitzgerald says the EU has a number of tools to deploy if the UK flouts the rules.

Out words: be easy

Dur: 00:32

 

Covid passport won’t inhibit people’s civil liberties – Walsh

A proposed Covid 19 vaccination certificate should facilitate freedom of movement without discrimination.

That’s the warning from the European Parliament which has just given the green light to European Commission proposals for a Covid certificate to enable travel around the EU. The cert would have information on a person’s Covid vaccination status including any test results or recovery details.  

The Parliament says holders of the certs shouldn’t be subject to additional travel restrictions, such as quarantine, self-isolation or testing.

Here’s Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh.

Out words: the case

Ireland to benefit from EU cancer fund - Clune

Deirdre Clune has welcomed the EU’s new research fund which has been voted through by the European Parliament this week. The EU hopes the €95 billion fund will help to catapult Europe into a digital future beyond covid recovery. One of the core funding areas will be in health with €8.2 available. Horizon Europe, as the new fund is known, has set the target of saving an additional three million people at risk of dying from cancer by 2030, including through improved diagnosis and treatment. Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune, says as a small country, Ireland benefits from the collective effort of European research. She hopes cancers in children, in particular, can be beaten as a result of the new funding.

Out words: Benefit all citizens

Dur: 0’27”

Ireland South holiday destination, urges Green MEP

The beauty of south-east and south-west Ireland is unparalleled anywhere in Europe, according to Grace O'Sullivan. The Green MEP wants to encourage people to spend their summer holidays here in Ireland. And to spend their Euro to the benefit of the Irish economy. The European Parliament has just voted for the creation of so-called Digital Green Certificates to allow people to potentially travel within Europe this summer with a document proving they are covid-free. Ireland South MEP, Grace O'Sullivan, says it is going to be great to get out and about. She hopes it’s also a chance to support the hospitality and tourism industry here.

Out words: Rebuilding the economy

Dur: 0’20”

Covid passports backed by European Parliament

There’s hope that the summer holidays “will be saved to some degree”, says a cautious Colm Markey. The European Parliament has backed EU plans for covid passports known as ‘Digital Green Certificates’. The result of the vote was announced this morning with 540 votes in favour, 119 against and 31 abstentions. The idea is to allow anyone vaccinated, with a negative test, or who has recovered from covid to have a document allowing travel within Europe. The Fine Gael MEP for Midlands North-West, Colm Markey, says he hopes that it will allow a revival of fortune for businesses in Ireland.

Out words:  Back on their feet

Dur: 0’25”