22/02/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 22 February, the members of the European People’s Party (EPP) approved their electoral manifesto, which sets out the political priorities of the Christian Democrat family in anticipation of the European elections in June (see EUROPE 13355/4). The main campaign themes include democracy and fundamental values, security in all its aspects, European defence, the climate transition with citizens and businesses, competitiveness and reducing the administrative burden. The manifesto will be formally endorsed at the Bucharest Congress, where the EPP is also expected to nominate European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as its lead candidate (‘Spitzenkandidat’). To see the draft election manifesto dated mid-February, go to https://aeur.eu/f/axu (MB)