The Maastricht Debate 2024, co-organised by Politico and Studio Europa Maastricht, took place on 29 April. It was the first European election debate between eight European parties’ lead candidates to the presidency of the EU Commission, including, amongst others current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (EPP), Bas Eickhout (Greens) and Nicolas Schmit (Party of European Socialist). The topics that were tackled were the EU's Green Deal, foreign and security policy focussing on Ukraine and Israel, and EU Democracy. Throughout the event, a live poll indicated that Ursula von der Leyen and Bas Eickhout were perceived most favourably by the audience, leading them to exit the stage as the "winners." The debate can be re-watched on the platform.
The Eurovision Debate organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), in cooperation with Parliament’s DG COMM and the European political parties will take place on 23 May.