In the Eurovision-Live-Debate five top candidates for the Office or for the President of the Commission discussed in the European Parliament in Bruxelles central themas such as economy, defense, climate and migration. The debate offered insights in different approaches and visions, how the EU should face with actual challenges.
On May 23rd the Eurovison-Live-Debate took place in the EU Parliament in Bruxelles among the top candidates for the Office or for the President of the Commission. From 15:00 to 16:45 five candidates discussed different themas such as economy, jobs, defense, security, climate, environment, migration and innovation. Among them were the Austrian Walter Baier from the Party of European Left, Sandro Gozi from Italy, who is in the Group Renew Europe, the actual Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from Germany, who represents the European People‘ Party , the German Terry Reintke from European Greens and the EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit from Luxemburg, from European Social Democratic Party. .The questions about many different issues were asked from the both moderators Annelies Beck and Martin Razniček, as well as from the public in the plenary hall, and also from the spectators in the joining events of the connection offices of the Parliament in the member states.
The first thema treated economy and employment. One important question here was how can we face poverty and how can new working places be provided.
In the frame of the second thematic group „ Defense and Security“ a question was posed by one first time voter. The question was orientated towards discussing possibilities of cooperation on the field of defense and better integration of defense markets.
Another question from the public was related to the war in Ukraine. In this respect the question was whether the EU should further on concentrate on the purchase of weapons and the military education in Ukraine or is it necessary to focus stronger on our own member states.
The third thema package was dedicated to climate and environment. In this relation a question arose , how could the EU reach its climate political goals without influencing herewith the economy growth.
The last topic was meant for innovation and technology.
The candidates had in continuation to each thema the possibility to pose to each other further questions in the so called spotlight interviews. The start was made by Schmit, who expresed himself for better working conditions, the provision of qualified working places, the equal position of women in the working world and granting of guaranteed social services. The second candidate Gozi wanted a democratic and strong Europe. Reitke stressed in his spolight interview that the climate crisis can be mastered only with united efforts. Additionally green working places and infrastructure would be necessary , at the same time we should calculate with higher costs in case of further delays. The actual Commission President von der Leyen stressed that she is endeavoring for a strong Europe with good living standard, democracy and security, The last candidate Biaer wanted to implement the fight against povery and to help people directly.