In June, Europeans will take to the polls to elect their representatives in the European Parliament. Nationalist sentiments may be rife, but the themes that are likely to feature in the upcoming European elections are more prescient than ever. What will be the future of the Green Deal, how should the EU operate in an increasingly insecure geopolitical environment and how should the arduous question of migration be dealt with?

The answers to these questions will determine the future of European member states, as well as that of Europe as a whole. However, the democratic structure of Europe is one of a kind. This means that at the European level, it is not always clear where the power is located. We should therefore ask ourselves: who decides on the future of Europe?

In this lecture series, we explore the most pressing issues faced by Europe today. We will examine the EU’s history, current affairs and possible futures. Each week, a renowned expert will shed light on the EU’s role in their field, and on how European elections are likely to shape its course in years to come.

The individual lectures
1. Introduction on the EU and its Institutions: How Democratic is the EU?  (Van Zon / 28 Feb)
2. Migration (De Haas / 6 Mar)
3. Climate: Can the EU Lead the Fight Against Climate Change? (Prins / 13 Mar)
4. Geopolitical Europe (Vanhoonacker / 20 Mar)
5. The European Economy in a New Era of Superpower Rivalry (Tordoir / 27 Mar)

Organised in collaboration with Studio Europa.

On the 29th of April, Studio Europa Maastricht organises the third edition of the Maastricht Debate, in cooperation with POLITICO. In the largest European election debate, ahead of the European elections, Europe’s leading candidates will take the stage in Theater aan het Vrijthof to discuss the concerns of young voters. In parallel, a free debate watch party will take place on the Vrijthof Square. 

Make sure to be there! Keep an eye on the debate website for regular updates. The Maastricht Debate is an initiative of Maastricht University and supported by the Province of Limburg, City of Maastricht and the European Parliament.