On 29 April, Studio Europa Maastricht and POLITICO will organize the third edition of the Maastricht Debate in the run-up to the European Parliament elections (6-9 June).
For those who were not able to secure a seat in the Theater aan het Vrijthof, or who want to be informed about the European elections in a light-hearted way, Studio Europa Maastricht is organizing a free debate watch party. At the Vrijthof, visitors can watch this important debate on a large screen. We also have a full and inspiring programme before and after the debate. View the entire line-up below.

Programme
Dive into European democracy at our watch party! Brace yourself for a dynamic programme featuring a theatre show by De Kiesmannen, the premiere of the eye-opening documentary Europe I See You and an exciting election quiz by Stem op een Vrouw. Between performances, stroll along Boulevard Europa, visit the information stands and take a look at the Cartoon Cube where well-known cartoonists draw live cartoons. BomBRASStic brass band and DJ Eclectic Eddy (i.a. from the Muziekgieterij) will liven up the festival with Euro hits and other classics.
16.15 Opening festival site
17.00 – 17.25 Première documentary Europe I See You (18 min.)
17.25 – 17.40 Election quiz by Stem op een Vrouw
17.40 – 18.05 BomBRASStic brassband
18.05 – 18.45 Great Europe theatre show by De Kiesmannen
18.45 – 20.30 Livestream Maastricht Debate 2024
20.30 – 21.00 BomBRASStic
21.00 – 23.00 DJ Eclectic Eddy
! The entire programme will be in English

For an impression of the atmosphere, watch the aftermovie of the Maastricht Debate 2019 here.
Boulevard Europa
- Participating organizations in the information market: UM Green Office, European Careers Association Maastricht, Jongeren Netwerk Limburg, Dutch Culture, European Youth Parliament, Political Economy Society, Eloquentia Maastricht, Provincie Limburg, RichtingZuid, ProDemos.
- Cartoon Cube with the best cartoons about the EU
- Live cartoon drawing by famous cartoonists
- Food trucks & bars
Guided tour Maastricht Treaty
The Maastricht Treaty (1992) is one of the most important treaties in the history of Europe and European integration. With this treaty, the 12 member states of what was then called the European Community (EC) established the European Union (EU). This Union made it possible to further deepen, broaden and streamline European cooperation.
In the Provincial building of Limburg, you will find a permanent exhibition on the Maastricht Treaty on the 1st floor. This permanent exhibition has been open continuously since its opening on November 8, 2021 by Minister van Engelshoven of Education, Culture and Science.
Are you curious about what went on behind the scenes and what happened to all the old guilders? Or do you just want to take a look? Then sign up for this tour. The tour lasts 45 minutes. Group size is a maximum of 15 people.
HOUSE RULES
Maastricht Debate / Debate Watch Party 2024
In order for the Maastricht Debate and the Debate Watch Party to run smoothly, the following house rules apply on the grounds and in the theater. By entering the event grounds you agree to the rules and information below. These rules are subject to change.
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race or religion. Threats, vandalism, damage, assault, intimidation, aggression, discrimination, racism and sexual harassment are prohibited under penalty of removal. We’re serious about it and do not tolerate this.
- Visitors must be able to identify themselves at all times with a valid ID. Visitors must be in possession of valid and undamaged identification.
- Visitors can be searched / bag check can take place. All visitors to the event site are required to cooperate when checked by security personnel.
- No alcohol will be sold to persons under the age of 18. In case of doubt, proof of identity will be asked for.
- Smoking (including vaping) is prohibited in the festival tent or Theater aan het Vrijthof. Please be considerate of other festival visitors when lighting a cigarette.
- It is forbidden to take (plastic) glasses or refreshments outside (off the event grounds).
- In case of alleged intoxication/under the influence of drugs/misbehavior, the organization may deny visitors access to the event site or remove them from the event site.
- Distribution of leaflets, flyers and sale of goods at the event is prohibited unless written permission is granted by the organization.
- Demonstration on the event grounds is prohibited. Disturbing public order and the activities at the event is not allowed. Disturbers will no longer have access to the event site.
- In case of large crowds, the event site may be closed (temporarily).
There are a few things we don’t allow inside the festival area and the venue of the Maastricht Debate.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Professional audio and recording equipment, including cameras and video equipment (unless you have a press pass)
- Drones or any other flying devices
- Outside food and beverage (unless it’s for your baby <2 years)
- Cans, glass from outside the festival area
- Firearms and other dangerous objects
- Illegal of illicit substances of any kind, nitrous oxide cartridges
- Animals or pets (except designated service animals)
- Professional radio’s, walkie-talkies, megaphones or instruments
- Pyrotechnics, fireworks, weapons or explosives of any kind, sticks/poles longer than 15 cm
- Signs/banners, aerosols
- Any items deemed by the organization to be inappropriate that may disrupt other guests’ enjoyment.
These are subject to change. Confiscated goods will not be returned. Studio Europa Maastricht (organizer) cannot be held liable for any injury to visitors or damage to visitors’ property. This includes theft and loss.
At the event, photographs and recordings may be made for reports, websites, promotional purposes, etc. Upon entering the event site, the visitor gives permission to the organization to use these recordings for these purposes (reporting and promotion).
Entering the event grounds and attending the event are entirely at the visitor’s own risk. Participants are expected to follow these rules, or they may be removed from the event. In case of disturbances, the organization may order a personal site ban. We reserve the right to deny or eject anybody who violates our code of conduct or the law.
Visitors must always comply with the house rules and follow the instructions of organization staff and security personnel.
*These rules are subject to change
The Maastricht Debate is supported by Maastricht University, Province of Limburg, City of Maastricht and the European Parliament.
DEMO Productions is the AV-partner for the Maastricht Debate Watch Party.
