MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships. Demand for a place on the scheme was extremely high, with a total of 330,000 people aged 18 to 20 applying from across eligible countries. 60,000 travel passes have now been allocated to winners, who can avail of designated travel services around member states for up to 30 days between March 2022 and February 2023. With the next application round expected this spring, MEP Clune is urging the Commision, which funds the scheme, to increase the budget. “I am delighted to see there is huge demand for this programme, with over 12,500 people applying from Ireland alone." "In light of the obvious popularity, I will be writing to the Commission to urge them to consider increasing the funding to allow more young people the chance to avail of this fantastic opportunity. This would be a timely move, given 2022 has been designated European Year of Youth." “For many, this is a valuable time to develop life skills - many of those who have used the scheme in the past say it boosted their independence and self-confidence." "It is vital for the European Commission to show their commitment to the young generation, who have faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years.” “The Commission must also be aware of the environmental bonus. The EU has committed to train travel as a means to tackle climate change and achieve a carbon neutral Europe by 2025. The Discover EU free travel scheme introduces young people to the possibilities of green transport. 66% of users indicate they were travelling by train for the first time.”

Home Political News MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships. Demand for a place on the scheme was extremely high, with a total of 330,000 people aged 18 to 20 applying from across eligible countries. 60,000 travel passes have now been allocated to winners, who can avail of designated travel services around member states for up to 30 days between March 2022 and February 2023. With the next application round expected this spring, MEP Clune is urging the Commision, which funds the scheme, to increase the budget. “I am delighted to see there is huge demand for this programme, with over 12,500 people applying from Ireland alone.” “In light of the obvious popularity, I will be writing to the Commission to urge them to consider increasing the funding to allow more young people the chance to avail of this fantastic opportunity. This would be a timely move, given 2022 has been designated European Year of Youth.” “For many, this is a valuable time to develop life skills – many of those who have used the scheme in the past say it boosted their independence and self-confidence.” “It is vital for the European Commission to show their commitment to the young generation, who have faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years.” “The Commission must also be aware of the environmental bonus. The EU has committed to train travel as a means to tackle climate change and achieve a carbon neutral Europe by 2025. The Discover EU free travel scheme introduces young people to the possibilities of green transport. 66% of users indicate they were travelling by train for the first time.”

MEP Deirdre Clune today congratulated nearly 800 people in Ireland who have secured a place on the Discover EU free travel scheme. The initiative gives young people the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures and build new friendships. Demand for a place on the scheme was extremely high, with a total of 330,000 people aged 18 to 20 applying from across eligible countries. 60,000 travel passes have now been allocated to winners, who can avail of designated travel services around member states for up to 30 days between March 2022 and February 2023. With the next application round expected this spring, MEP Clune is urging the Commision, which funds the scheme, to increase the budget. “I am delighted to see there is huge demand for this programme, with over 12,500 people applying from Ireland alone.” “In light of the obvious popularity, I will be writing to the Commission to urge them to consider increasing the funding to allow more young people the chance to avail of this fantastic opportunity. This would be a timely move, given 2022 has been designated European Year of Youth.” “For many, this is a valuable time to develop life skills – many of those who have used the scheme in the past say it boosted their independence and self-confidence.” “It is vital for the European Commission to show their commitment to the young generation, who have faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years.” “The Commission must also be aware of the environmental bonus. The EU has committed to train travel as a means to tackle climate change and achieve a carbon neutral Europe by 2025. The Discover EU free travel scheme introduces young people to the possibilities of green transport. 66% of users indicate they were travelling by train for the first time.”

01.02.2022

Internet users in Ireland are set to benefit as the European Parliament backs the EU’s new Digital Services Act.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune thinks the “new rules will put to an end the digital Wild West where big platforms set the rules and criminal content can go viral.”

The DSA aims to create a safer digital space where users’ rights are protected. It will also deal with content moderation and strengthen the accountability and transparency of algorithms

The EU’s digital services laws have remained largely unchanged since the adoption of the e-Commerce Directive in 2000.

MEP Clune says “few could have predicted 20 years ago that such services and providers would become such widespread and global household names. While it is important to recognise the benefit they provide, there is huge concern about the enormous influence and power these companies have.

These concerns include the circulation and promotion of illegal goods, services and content. The misuse and manipulation of personal data, and the lack of redress when issues occur.

The European Parliament has moved to make the online space a safer space for people across the country and the continent.

Shoppers purchasing online will now know there are checks in place to ensure compliance with consumer protection rules. Internet users will have more information about how and where their data is being used. While small companies will know there is a level playing field to digital trade in the single market.”

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