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Over the next few months, Bruegel will try to answer that question. In June, after the European elections, we will publish our Memo to the President of the New Commission. In early September, this will be followed by our Memos to the New Commission: a compilation of about 18 short pieces describing all policy areas that touch on economic prosperity in the European Union, and how we believe the Commission should address them.

Until then, however, it is us that will be asking the questions. Today, we are kickstarting the election season by teaming up with the Financial Times to host a debate among major EU-level political parties. Andy Bounds, FT Brussels economics correspondent and I will moderate. The debate will take place in Brussels and will be livestreamed.

We will be asking parties about their ideas for safeguarding and increasing prosperity for the citizens of the EU in the face of many challenges. What can the next Commission and Parliament realistically do to boost the EU's disappointing growth performance when most economic policy levers continue to reside at member-state level? Should the EU continue to live by the rules of international trade and the internal market that limit member state subsidies, even when China, and increasingly the US, appear happy to break those rules? How can the next Commission and Parliament reduce external risks to economic security while maintaining the benefits of trade? What more should it do to ‘de-risk’ its relations with China and prepare for what a second Trump presidency might bring? And how can it ensure that EU green deal objectives are met without harming businesses and vulnerable groups?

EU citizens should cast their ballots in part on the ability of EU parties to give convincing answers. We hope you will all join us!

Attend the debate in-person or watch the livestream by clicking this link: ‘Visions for Europe: Economic expert debate for the 2024 EU elections’.

The debate takes place from 17:00-19:00 in Sparks Meeting, Rue Ravenstein, Brussels 1000.

The Why Axis is a weekly newsletter distributed by Bruegel, bringing you the latest research on European economic policy.