EU must lead on climate in light of US 'stupidity', says Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson, the former Irish president and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the EU to show important leadership in the face of a US withdrawal from efforts to combat global warming.

Robinson, who as a member of the Elders group has met with key global figures including the late Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron and China’s President Xi Jinping, criticised the United States for what she termed a “stupid” approach to climate change in an interview with Radio Schuman.

She told us the European Union should “step up on climate and nature and fulfil the commitments that are necessary” following a meeting with EU officials. Her calls come at a time when the EU is scaling back efforts to make climate ambitions a reality.

In this episode, we also look at today’s Foreign Affairs council focusing on EU–US trade relations at a time when the EU finds itself at the back of the line. And finally, rail travel in Europe is experiencing a renaissance. Are Europeans getting on board?

Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Lauren Walker. Audio editing by Johan Breton. Music by Alexandre Jas.