The Square Debate focuses on discussing salient European themes – such as higher education reform, European Defence or the sustainability of the Euro. It aims to highlight any specific convergence or divergence of French & British views with regards to other European countries. Generally speaking, the organisation is undertaken in cooperation with student debating associations. The participants are asked to take the standpoint of either France, the United Kingdomand Germany, plus another European nation according to the topic. The winning team is eligible for a Prize.

2012 Edition (Rules)

The 2012 Edition took place at the British council on 21 April. The teams represented France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia over one motion : “This House Believes That European Nations would be better off with a coordinated energy policy”. The Motion was defeated and Russia won.

The Jury was composed as follows:

Jonathan Proust, Expert on Energy Law (Sciences Po – Paris I)
Antonin Caors, Senior Debating Expert
Jean-Pascal Sibiet, President, Franco-British Comparative Project

2011 Edition

The 2011 Edition gathered eloquent teams featuring France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy over one motion “This House Believes That European Nations had better merge their armed forces so as to better protect themselves”. The Motion was defeated and Germany won.

The Jury was composed as follows:

Col. Gilles Darricau, Head of teaching branch at “Centre des Hautes Etudes Militaires”
Ben Fender, Counsellor on Strategic Affairs, British Embassy in Paris
Declan McCavana, President of the French Debating Association and Professor at Ecole Polytechnique