In Brussels for a debate on the Commission’s presidency and the European governance
See
Introduction of a debate organised by the Jacques Delors Institute and Friends of Europe in Brussels on 16 March 2015 with Jacques Delors, Jean-Claude Juncker and Etienne Davignon.
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 Europes 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 – 16.30 > 16.45
Yves Bertoncini, director of the Jacques Delors Institute
The Commission’s leadership and the governance of Europe – 16.30 > 18.30
Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission
Jacques Delors, president of the European Commission (1985-1995)
Etienne Davignon, vice-president of the European Commission (1981-1985)
Discutants:
Peter Oomsels, vice-president of the Young Europeans Federalists
Valentina Pop, EU correspondent, Wall Street Journal
The debate will then be opened to the audience.
Debate moderated by Giles MERRITT, secretary general at Friends of Europe