Commission president candidate for the European People's Party Jean-Claude Juncker kicks off our European elections preview feature by saying that he stands for a "stronger", "simpler, less bureaucratic Europe". The Luxembourgish politician adds that "it is a matter of serious concern to see that, today, less than 30 per cent of citizens believe their voice still counts in European issues". PES candidate Martin Schulz writes that the policies of the last five years have "eroded trust" in the EU. ALDE party presidential hopeful Guy Verhofstadt says he wants to see "a Europe with authority on the world stage" and a union that is "more transparent and accountable". Greens joint candidates Ska Keller and José Bové, call for a "Green new deal" that puts Europe's environment, economy and societies on a sustainable footing.