EU ministers to discuss sending Syrians back
Home affairs ministers are expected to discuss whether migrants could be returned from the European Union to Syria. EU ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss immigration issues. Many European…
EU enforces Schengen entry-exit checks
The EU’s much delayed entry-exit checks (EES) for the Schengen zone have started to come info effect. The first phase of the new system came into force yesterday. It requires…
EU proposes Mercosur safeguards
The European Commission has proposed new safeguards which it says will strengthen protections for EU farmers following the Mercosur agreement. The European Union has agreed in principle to the EU-Mercosur…
Treatment plants breaching pollution limits
Over half of Ireland’s waste treatment plants are failing to meet pollution limits stipulated in their licences, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says. “Wastewater discharged from 59 per cent of…
European Parliament votes to ‘ban’ veggie burgers as part of simpler farming rules
Meat-substitutes should not be allowed to call themselves burgers or sausages under rules voted through by the European Parliament. MEPs have voted to simplify rules that govern the Common Agricultural…
Christy shortlisted for EU film prize
An Irish film has been shorted listed for the European Parliament film prize, the LUX Audience Award. ‘Christy’, directed by Brendan Canty, tells the story of a 17-year-old Irish boy…
PFAS found in minister’s blood
Toxic substances known as ‘forever chemicals’ were detected in Timmy Dooley’s blood, according to the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). Ireland’s environment minister, Timmy Dooley TD, was one of 18 ministers…
Irish citizens from flotilla ‘heading home’
Irish citizens who were detained by Israeli authorities “have been released and are currently on their journey home”, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD has confirmed. The Global Sumud Flotilla tried to…
Fishing industry fears €200 million hit from quota cuts
Ireland’s fishing industry is warning that it could lose up to €200 million if quota cuts recommended by scientists are supported by the EU. The International Council for the Exploration…
Ireland failing on water, climate and waste, warns European Environment Agency
Ireland is suffering from human overconsumption, poor water quality and alarming biodiversity decline, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has warned in a damning report. The EEA also warns that Ireland…