Candidates in the bid for European Commission President, socialist Martin Schulz and conservative Jean-Claude Juncker, are due to meet in a TV and radio debate on Wednesday.

Schulz, President of the European Parliament, and Juncker, a former Eurogroup chair and Prime Minister of Luxembourg, were the two main nominees for the office, put forward by socialists and conservatives at EP.

In a 50-minute discussion, the two candidates for the top office in the EU's executive body will have to give answers to questions by France 24's Caroline de Camaret and Radio France Internationale (RFI)'s Dominique Baillard.

In a total of four televised discussions the two men are to debate over the future of Europe and key issues in fields such as politics, economy, social policy and climate change.

Wednesday's media event will inevitably focus on France, which is struggling to balance its budget and give a push to its stagnating economy.

The first of the series of debates, which are part of the EU's efforts to introduce a "presidential" element in the run-up for the bloc's top job and make it more attractive to voters, will also be available on the website of both media outlets.

EC's President will be determined by the European Council (constituted by presidents and heads of government in member states), but making their choice they will have to take into consideration the results of May 25's European Elections.

Schulz and Juncker are to meet for a second time on April 28 in a debate which will be aired by Dutch media. On May 8 German TV channels ZDF and ORF will broadcast the third event, and then Juncker and Schulz will stand against each other for the last time on May 20, just five days ahead of the European Elections.

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