On Saturday, our colleagues from RTL Radio hosted a roundtable discussion featuring four young candidates for the upcoming European elections. The discussion focused on Europe's role in foreign diplomacy, its stance in the fight against climate change, and perspectives on employment.

With one week remaining before the elections, candidates Lucy Agostini from the Pirate Party, Alija Suljić from the Left Party (déi Lénk), Anne Lecuit from FOKUS, and Samuel Moïse from Volt shared their views.

All four candidates emphasised the importance of the European Union. Suljić clarified that the Left Party does not advocate for the abolition of the EU but instead seeks to address issues such as growing inequalities at the European level. Lecuit highlighted the mutual dependence between the EU and Luxembourg.

Agostini stressed the need for greater cooperation in climate policy, fiscal matters, and labour law. Representing the pan-European party Volt, Moïse called for a federated Europe, aiming to bring the EU closer to its citizens. He also advocated for Luxembourg to recognise Palestine as a state, emphasising the need to end the "catastrophic situation" in the region.

Addressing the student protests, Moïse emphasised that young people protesting the war should not be accused of antisemitism. FOKUS also supports the swift recognition of Palestine by Luxembourg. Lecuit noted that the war in Gaza resonates strongly with young people, making it a primary topic in roundtable discussions and schools.

Suljić mentioned that the Left Party has supported the recognition of Palestinian statehood for about a decade. He stressed that this step goes beyond symbolism and could be a significant way to apply pressure. Suljić expressed confusion over the stance of Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel, asserting that the situation in Gaza constitutes genocide, and those who disagree fail to grasp the severity. He also called for an immediate halt to weapons deliveries.

The Pirate Party prefers to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood but supports stopping weapons exports to Israel.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, all four candidates advocated for increased support and weapons shipments. Suljić acknowledged that the latest weapons deliveries from Germany and the US represented an escalation of the conflict. FOKUS supports substantial aid and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, comparing Vladimir Putin to "Hitler Germany" and arguing for pushing Russia back to demonstrate there is no viable path forward.

Volt supports the creation of a European army under the control of the European Parliament.

Climate policy and labour laws

Although fewer young people are currently protesting in the streets and wars have taken centre stage, climate issues remain critical. All four candidates agreed that more political action is needed to achieve climate targets.

Regarding employment, FOKUS advocates for streamlining the diploma recognition process. Volt supports the introduction of a European universal income. The Left Party calls for a comprehensive rethink of employment policies, advocating for a progressive reduction in work hours and more tax justice instead of addressing individual issues in isolation.

The candidates expressed concern that having a job or diploma is no longer a safeguard against poverty. The Pirate Party, however, is critical of reducing work hours, pointing out existing staff shortages, particularly in the healthcare sector.