Radio Schuman

On Tuesday the Commission will present a new proposal for a Critical Medicines Act, a priority the executive set for the outset of its mandate.How can the EU fix the dramatic shortages of vital medicines which put patients at risk? The European Commission will on Tuesday present its ”Critical Medicines Act” to address shortages of antibiotics, insulin, and painkillers (among others), reduce dependency on Asia and improve supply chain resilience across Europe.The bloc depends on Asia for 60–80% of its supply, leaving it vulnerable to disruptions. Some countries have suggested integrating medicine shortages into EU defence spending, seeing them as a national security issue.Today Radio Schuman will dive into the proposal with Euronews’ health reporter Marta Irraola.On this episode we also discuss elections in Greenland, the semi-autonomous island that has drawn international attention after US President Donald Trump claimed he wanted to acquire the island.Finally, we look at gang violence across the EU, particularly when it is related to drug competition in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Innovative solutions are anticipated in upcoming EU legislation on migrant returns, Swedish migration minister Johan Forssell tells Radio Schuman in an exclusive interview featured for Radio Schuman today."Something needs to be done and we are looking forward to the new return legislation, of course, but also trying to explore these new innovative solutions. We have been discussing them for many years now, but now is really the time to move forward with more practical arrangements," he added.The draft law on returns is expected to be a focal point in this week's discussions in Strasbourg, where Members of the European Parliament will convene for their plenary session.Forssell told Euronews that he had hoped for explicit references to 'return hubs' in the proposal. However, according to a source familiar with the matter, these references will be omitted.Radio Schuman also takes you to Saudi Arabia, Brussels and Strasbourg for significant meetings to keep watch over, as well as a new train tool that can help planning and booking with journeys.Today's Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Meabh Mc Mahon, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Raphaël Glucksman, a prominent French socialist, urged the 27 EU member states to abandon their reliance on the United States, speaking to Radio Schuman on today's podcast.Glucksman recommended swift action on using frozen Russian assets to mobilise funds, halting imports of Russian LNG gas, and agreeing on joint borrowing to strengthen the bloc’s defence capabilities in the long term.As a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees, as well as the Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Glucksman has recently engaged extensively with French media to urge France and the European Union to act swiftly and make decisive commitments regarding Ukraine.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Johan Breton. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman features an interview with Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric, calling for the Commission to maintain emissions reduction commitments in a key auto sector strategy paper coming today.The European automotive sector, employing 13 million people and contributing approximately 7% of the continent’s GDP, faces multiple challenges, including weak demand, stringent EU emissions targets, rising competition from Asia, and declining interest in electric vehicles. In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to unveil measures aimed at enhancing the industry’s competitiveness while upholding overall emission reduction goals.Automakers have opposed the EU’s 2025 CO2 reduction targets and lobbied against penalties for non-compliance. However, von der Leyen has already announced a relaxation of the annual review rule, extending the compliance period from one to three years. Additional plans to support EV production are also anticipated.Radio Schuman also flags an important meeting of EU home affairs ministers in Brussels and asks which countries offer the most take-home pay after taxes in Europe.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riho Teras, an Estonian MEP and former commander of Estonia's defense forces, shares his insights on the complex situation in Ukraine. He argues against sending troops, suggesting a stronger focus on ceasefires and peace talks. Teras discusses NATO's critical role in security and the mixed messages from leaders regarding support for Ukraine. He emphasizes the necessity for increased defense spending in Europe and highlights the importance of preparing for future crises while fostering military aid to Ukraine.

Sasha Vakulina, a Ukrainian correspondent for Euronews, shares firsthand insights on the recent clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She discusses how the public spat deeply shocked Ukrainians, many of whom have faced the harsh realities of war. The episode highlights Zelenskyy’s struggles to secure vital security guarantees against Russian aggression and addresses the emotional toll on families of captured soldiers. Additionally, the podcast touches on broader issues like migration trends and the EU's housing crisis amidst the geopolitical tensions.

Join Jean-Claude Juncker, former president of the European Commission, as he dives into Ukraine's challenging path toward EU membership. He discusses the pressing issues of corruption and economic stability that Ukraine must address for a successful bid. Juncker emphasizes the EU's pivotal role in facilitating peace negotiations and the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty. Additionally, he critiques the EU's historical trade dealings with China and highlights the surprising health benefits of tea. It's a mix of politics, strategy, and unexpected insights!

Might Catalan, Galician and Basque become EU official languages? That's what the president of Catalonia Salvador Illa is advocating in an interview with Euronews featured on today's Radio Schuman.Illa visited Brussels last week, where he met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the Vice President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera. A key priority on his agenda was advocating for the inclusion of Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official languages of the European Union.The proposal requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states and is currently under discussion by European Affairs ministers. However, progress has been limited since Spain initially introduced the initiative during its rotating presidency in the summer of 2023.Radio Schuman also takes you to India, where the European Commissioners are heading today for a high level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as to European countries that have the most skilled workers.Today's Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Aida Sanchez-Alonso, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by Johan Breton. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman explores the implications of the US administration's approach to ending the war in Ukraine with Kirill Shamiev, an expert on civil-military relations and Russian domestic politics at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).The discussion takes in US president Donald Trump's decision to engage in bilateral negotiations with Russia, divergence from European allies in UN votes, ambiguity over security guarantees for Europe, and the critical minerals deal with Ukraine initially rejected by Kyiv.Radio Schuman also discuss the presentation of the so-called omnibus package and the clean industrial deal by the European Commission, as well as those European countries which have witnessed the greatest decrease of greenhouse emissions.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.