Walter Baier

Top contenders for the presidency of the European Commission engaged in a live debate in Maastricht, Netherlands, on Monday alongside outgoing President Ursula von der Leyen. 

This debate marks the first time the lead candidates, or Spitzenkandidaten, confront each other's projects ahead of the elections to the European Parliament in early June.

Walter Baier, the leading candidate of the European Left for the upcoming European elections, has expressed his dismay over Austria's stance on Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen zone. Describing the Austrian government's position as "shameful, unfair, and ineffective," Baier's remarks reflect broader discontent within the European Left regarding the issue.

SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras will travel to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Francis on Thursday according to reports.

Social justice, unemployment, immigration and the Mideast crisis are on the agenda, the reports said.