The event formally launching the Conference on the Future of Europe on 9 May is set to be a ‘hybrid’ of online and physical participation because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the EU Commissioner tasked with guiding the process said on Thursday (15 April). “Given the current situation, the kick-off in Strasbourg must be a hybrid event, with a strong online component and the participation of citizens from all EU member states,” Commissioner Dubravka Šuica said in a speech on Thursday “We must remain flexible. We would all prefer to be physically present, but this can only happen if the health conditions allow,” the Democracy and Demography Commissioner added.