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In Brussels to open a debate on the Commission leadership and the governance of Europe
With the Juncker Commission now in office for a hundred days, the Jacques Delors Institute and Friends of Europe have invited Jacques Delors, Jean-Claude Juncker and Etienne Davignon to debate the challenges facing European governance.
Key issues for discussion include the qualities needed for the job of President of the European Commission: is it all about personality, or are factors like institutional architecture and the political context also in play? Should the Commission do more to make public the shortcomings of national governments? Would a regular TV address by the Commission president help to improve the connection with Europe’s citizens by updating them on recent developments, global flashpoints and key issues ranging from Ukraine and Syria to migration, unemployment, energy and the euro? Is the coming into office of Syriza, and the rise of extremist newcomers likely to change the EU’s political calculus significantly?
Introduction by Yves Bertoncini, director of the Jacques Delors Institute
Debate about “The Commission’s leadership and the governance of Europe” by Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission,
Etienne Davignon, vice-president of the European Commission (1981 – 1985),
Peter Oomsels, vice-president of the Young Europeans Federalists,
Valentina Pop, EU correspondent, Wall Street Journal
Debate moderated by Giles MERRITT, secretary general at Friends of Europe