In this episode of Radio Tracy Europe, we meet Maria Vazquez Limeres, the social media maestro for Renew Europe’s LinkedIn account. Renew Europe is one of the seven political groups represented in the European Parliament.

Maria will explain “buzzwords” to us and give us a few EU-related examples including “open strategic autonomy” and “camembert”. We will also learn about her family’s amazing wine business and explore the Latin expression “in vino veritas” which means in wine there is truth.

And of course, below you will find six vocabulary words or expressions from this episode and a link to practice them on the Quizlet platform.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting me in this new podcasting adventure!

Tracy

Your voice matters - make sure it’s heard at the next European election

With the European elections taking place just next month between 6 - 9 June 2024, my chat with Maria about EU buzzwords, and more specifically the word “camembert” is very topical. And we aren’t talking about cheese! The big question on everyone’s lips right now is about how EU voters will be cutting up the “camembert”, or in other words, how the seats will be distributed between the different political groups in the European Parliament.

If you haven’t decided yet how you would like that camembert cut up - then I highly recommend that you have a look at Euro MP Match which will match you with a list of MEPs and political parties that best align with your views on key EU issues. Another great site for up-to-date information on MEP candidates and party lists is the Robert Schuman Foundation’s European Elections 2024 website. And of course, you can check the European Parliament’s website for EU election information.

Words to know from this episode

1. Buzzword (n) A term or phrase that becomes popular and fashionable, often used in marketing, media, or discussions, but may lack substantive meaning.

The politician's speech was filled with buzzwords like "sustainability" and "innovation," but lacked concrete plans for implementation.

2. Catchy (adj) Easily remembered or noticed, often because it is pleasing or memorable.

The catchy slogan for the environmental campaign encouraged citizens to reduce plastic waste.

3. Pop up ( phrasal verb) To appear suddenly or unexpectedly.

During the trade negotiations, unexpected challenges would often pop up, requiring swift resolutions.

4. Grab attention (verb phrase) To attract someone's notice or interest quickly.

The provocative headline grabbed attention, sparking a heated debate in the European Parliament.

5. Showcase (verb)To display or exhibit something prominently, often to demonstrate its qualities or importance.

The event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to energy efficiency in the EU.

6. Wrap up (phrasal verb) To conclude or finish something, often by summarizing key points or actions.

After months of negotiations, the delegates were finally able to wrap up the trade agreement, bringing it to a successful close.

Learn and study these words on Quizlet

In vino veritas

In this episode, we also learn about Maria’s family’s amazing wine business and explore the Latin expression “in vino veritas” which means in wine there is truth.

And there is also truth in that English is like a sponge soaking up words and expressions from many other languages, including Latin. So, if you are curious about this, here’s a link to a Quizlet to learn and practice some of the most commonly used Latin expressions in English.

Now, after all this talk of camembert, and your hard work learning and practising these Quizlets you deserve a glass of wine - you can order your Prologo here!

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Key vocabulary from this episode:

1. Advocate (verb) - To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.

e.g. She advocated for environmental protection, urging policymakers to take action.

2. Grassroots (adjective) - Relating to or involving ordinary people in a community, organization, etc., rather than professional politicians or people in positions of power.

e.g. Grassroots movements play a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing policies.

3. Expat (noun) - A person who lives outside their native country, either temporarily or permanently.

e.g. Many expats in Brussels work for international organisations or companies.

4. Proactive (adjective) - Taking action to control a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

e.g. The EU took proactive measures to address the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

5. Stakeholder (noun) - A person, group, or organisation that has an interest or concern in something, especially a business.

e.g. In EU policymaking, it's crucial to involve stakeholders from various sectors to ensure broad representation and support.

6. That’s a wrap (phrase) - A casual expression indicating that something is finished or completed.

e.g. After a long day of negotiations, the EU diplomats concluded, "That's a wrap," signalling the end of the meeting.

Practice Now

Links to Explore

• Connect with Kasia on Linkedin, FaceBook, Instagram, or Twitter

• Follow the European Parliament’s Sports Group on FaceBook and Twitter

• Learn more about EU sport policy on the European Commission’s website

• List of intergroups in the European Parliament

• Take part in and/or learn more about the Polish Run on their website, on FaceBook or Twitter

Here are eight vocabulary words from this video that you need to know:

1. Breakthrough (noun) A significant development or achievement, especially one that resolves a problem or overcomes an obstacle.

• The new trade agreement between countries was considered a breakthrough in diplomatic relations.

2. Reach a deal (verb phrase) To come to an agreement or settlement, usually after negotiation.

• After weeks of negotiations, the two sides finally reached a deal on fishing rights in EU waters.

3. Mandate (noun) An official order or authorisation to carry out a particular action.

• The government's mandate to implement environmental policies was supported by a majority of voters.

4. Force majeure (noun) Unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.

• The airline cited force majeure when cancelling flights due to extreme weather conditions.

5. Eligible (adjective) Meeting the requirements or qualifications for something.

• Citizens of EU member states are eligible for free healthcare in other EU countries with a European Health Insurance Card.

6. Humane (adjective) Showing compassion or kindness towards others, particularly in the treatment of animals or people.

• The EU passed laws requiring humane treatment of livestock during transportation.

7. Traffickers (noun) People or organizations involved in illegal trading or smuggling of goods, drugs, or people.

• Border security was increased to prevent human traffickers from exploiting vulnerable migrants.

8. Exploit (verb) To take advantage of someone or something for personal gain, often unfairly or unethically.

• Companies were fined for exploiting loopholes in EU environmental regulations.

Practice these vocabulary words for free with a Radio Tracy Europe Quizlet.

Explore

To learn more about the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact listen to this Radio Tracy Europe interview with Janina Ochojska MEP, or see the websites of the European Commission or the Council of the EU.

Vocabulary from this Episode:

1. Dedicated (adj) - Committed to a particular task or purpose.

e.g. She is a dedicated employee who always goes above and beyond to complete her work on time.

2. Found (verb) - To establish or set up (an organization, institution, etc.)

e.g. They founded a charity to help address homelessness in their community.

3. Adversity (noun) - Difficulties or misfortune; unfavourable fortune or fate.

e.g. Despite facing many adversities, she never gave up on her dreams.

4. Famine (noun) Extreme scarcity of food, typically caused by crop failure or other natural disasters.

e.g. The famine in the region led to widespread hunger and suffering among the population.

5. Convoy (noun) A group of vehicles or ships travelling together, typically accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection.

e.g. Humanitarian aid was delivered to the remote village by a convoy of trucks escorted by military personnel.

6. Martial Law (noun) Temporary rule by military authorities, imposed on a civilian population, typically during a time of emergency or unrest.

e.g. The government declared martial law in response to the widespread protests, deploying troops to maintain order.

Practice Now

Some links to explore

• Learn more and connect with Janina on her European Parliament profile page or personal website. You can also follow Janina on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

• The European People’s Party (EPP) is a centre-right political grouping and the largest political group in the European Parliament.

• The European Parliament approved the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact on 10 April 2024. Read the press release here.

• European Commission on the EU Migration Pact

• Polish Humanitarian Action

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In this episode of Radio Tracy Europe, we meet Spanish socialist MEP, Cesar Luena. who will explain what a "rapporteur" is in the European Parliament and give some advice to new colleagues on how to do the job well.

We also talk about Cesar's work as the Parliament's rapporteur on the EU's Nature Restoration Law. And finally, we have a bit of linguistic fun as Cesar shares the meaning of the classic English idiom "It's raining cats and dogs"!

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Here are six words and expressions you need to know for this episode:

1. Shed Some Light: To provide clarification or information on a topic, making it clearer and more understandable.

Example: The press conference aims to shed some light on the recent trade negotiations between the EU and its global partners.

2. Restoration: The act of returning something to its original or former condition, often implying repair or renovation.

Example: The restoration of historical landmarks is a priority for preserving cultural heritage within the European Union.

3. Steer something through: To guide or navigate something successfully through a process or challenge.

Example: The skilled diplomat managed to steer the trade agreement through the complex negotiations, ensuring a favourable outcome for the EU.

4. Delve into: To explore or investigate deeply into a subject or issue.

Example: The research project aims to delve into the impact of climate change on agricultural practices in EU member states.

5. It's Raining Cats and Dogs: An idiomatic expression indicating heavy, intense rainfall.

Example: As the EU leaders gathered for the outdoor event, it started raining cats and dogs, prompting a quick relocation indoors.

6. Paint a Vivid Picture: To describe or depict something in a detailed and colourful manner, creating a clear mental image.

Example: The speaker aimed to paint a vivid picture of the benefits of the proposed environmental policies during the parliamentary session.

Links to explore

• Learn more about and connect with Cesar Luena on his European Parliament profile page or his website (in Spanish). You can also follow Cesar on Twitter and Facebook.

• Cesar is a member of the Socialist & Democrats (S&D) Group in the European Parliament.

• Visit the European Parliament’s website to read its press release on the Nature Restoration Law. Additional information can also be found on the European Commission’s website.

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