European Debate Event Kicks Off in Prague

The European debate community gathered yesterday in Prague for the first European Schools Debating Championship (EuroSDC), a groundbreaking event organized by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) in collaboration with the Czech Debate Association and all our members. This inaugural championship, from February 16th to 17th, represents a significant milestone in fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and cultural exchange among young people across Europe.

Supported by funding from the European Union and IDEA member nations, the EuroSDC has successfully brought together over 100 young people from 20 countries, offering a platform for them to showcase their skills and engage in intellectual discourse. The tournament features two compelling motions: the debate on the exclusive use of transnational electoral lists in European parliamentary elections, and a critical examination of the Bologna process and EU-wide education policies. These topics were chosen for their relevance and potential to stimulate insightful discussions, challenging participants to delve deep into complex European issues.

The event balances competitive debating with our efforts to engage debate club networks in fighting disinformation and polarization in democratic societies. A unique aspect of this year's event is the exhibition of countries and their political issues, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse political landscapes across Europe. This exhibition serves as an educational tool, encouraging participants to explore and understand the varying challenges and perspectives within the continent, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and global awareness. It was also a valuable source of inspiration and material for the upcoming promotional campaign for the EU elections that will be part of project DEUS activities.

In addition to participating in debates, the participants involved in our program took the initiative to highlight and analyze the most significant disinformation narratives and polarizing topics prevalent in their respective countries. Furthermore, they contributed to the content creation for the media campaign titled "What Should Europe Do?" Through this campaign, these young participants actively expressed their perspectives on preserving and promoting European values, discussing strategies and actions that could be undertaken at a continental level. This involvement amplifies their voices and encourages a deeper engagement with critical issues affecting Europe today.

We want to move the debate beyond just having tournaments, and we hope that an event like this is a celebration of youth engagement, intellectual rigour, and the unifying power of debate. As the debates unfold over the next few days, participants will not only compete for the championship title but also form lasting friendships, expand their horizons, and contribute to a vibrant, informed, and interconnected European community. 

An important aspect of this event is more than 70 volunteers from all over Europe who came to Prague to listen to debates, adjudicate, work with young people and/or participate in DEUS workshop. We are using this opportunity to thank them for their effort and enthusiasm.