As the European Parliament election approaches, the lead candidates for the Commission Presidency square off today in a Eurovision debate.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is organising the debate, has confirmed the participation of Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen (Germany, European People’s Party), Terry Reintke (Germany, European Greens) and Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg, Party of European Socialists).
“The goal is for the candidates to share their ideas and solutions on key issues such as climate change, employment and the economy, and migration,” explained Belgian journalist Annelies Beck, one of the debate’s presenters.
Her colleague, Czech journalist Martin Řezníček, adds that the debate is “by Europeans for Europeans.” Questions will come from citizens via social networks or from young people voting for the first time. “Europeans should have a say in this debate,” says Řezníček. Additionally, the candidates will participate in a three-minute one-on-one interview to delve into their policies in detail.
The debate starts at 3pm. Follow live here.
These five candidates will debate the economy and jobs; defence and security; climate and the environment; democracy and leadership’; migration and borders as well as innovation and technology.