On 15 May, Team Europe’s Margrethe Vestager took part in the Eurovision Presidential Debate to discuss topics relevant to Europe’s future, ranging from migration to climate change and youth unemployment.

“For me, the most important thing is to make sure you feel empowered to live the life you want to live. That you feel counted in,” Vestager addressed the audience with a powerful opening statement.

Challenging Manfred Weber on climate change and Ska Keller on the link between trade and protecting the planet, Vestager continued to highlight the importance of common solutions and cooperation that goes beyond party borders.

On taxation and competition, she called for the EU to be more “hard-nosed” and said companies like Amazon should pay their fair share of tax. For her, “a tax haven is a place where everyone pays their taxes.”

She also urged Europeans to take to the polls next week to make sure they use their power:

“The power to change comes from you. Voting is power. Go vote in this election and inspire people around you to go vote. Otherwise other people will use it.”

Watch a recording of the debate below.

https://twitter.com/vestager/status/1128704866061254657?s=20

https://twitter.com/ALDEParty/status/1128753812183879680?s=20

https://twitter.com/ALDEParty/status/1128749183253536771?s=20

https://twitter.com/europarlAV/status/1128778638361600000?s=20