European Commission presidency candidates debate ahead of Euro elections

Top contenders for the presidency of the European Commission engaged in a live debate in Maastricht, Netherlands, on Monday alongside outgoing President Ursula von der Leyen. 

This debate marks the first time the lead candidates, or Spitzenkandidaten, confront each other's projects ahead of the elections to the European Parliament in early June.

Organizers state the debate aims to "present Europe's top candidates for the Commission presidency, who represent key party groups." 

The Maastricht debate, co-hosted by Politico Europe and Studio Europa, also features lead candidates Nicolas Schmit (Party of European Socialists), Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party), Bas Eickhout (European Green Party), Anders Vistisen (Identity and Democracy Party), Walter Baier (Party of the European Left), Maylis Rossberg (European Free...