During the election campaign, candidates should appear in the media and speak to Parliaments and their committees across the Union. Since the EU is a union of states and peoples, successful candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the differing conditions in each country. In putting forward this idea, I was conscious of the reasons the Convention was established. Its primary purpose is to make the Union closer to its citizens. While adoption of my proposal would strengthen both the President and the Commission, its most important result would be the sense of excitement engendered by a transparent, EU-wide election held on a single day. That would certainly have the effect of making the Union's activities more relevant to citizens of new and old member states alike. My aim in putting forward my ideas is to stimulate debate and I am not dogmatic or fixed in my views. My intention is to strengthen the role of the Commission and its President, but if that can be achieved more effectively than in the way I suggest I would be happy to consider other proposals.