Annual Debates

Each academic year, in January, the Department of European Economic Studies organises debates on current economic issues between its students. Students are divided in teams to debate topics of importance to the European Union. Students improve their presentation and debating skills and, naturally, deepen their knowledge of the issues they contest. The teams are assessed by a panel of judges. A prize is awarded to the best team and their success is recognised in their final transcript.

Judges (2016-):

• Chair: Dr. Christian de BOISSIEU, Professor, University Paris-1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Former President of the Conseil D’Analyse Economique
• Economics Department Staff

Fourth series of debates: January 2016

• Mock debate: The Eurozone should have its own budget.
• Debate contest: The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will harm the EU.
• Debate contest: Deeper integration in the Eurozone will lead to disintegration of the European Union.
• Final debate:  Deregulation will not make the EU economy globally more competitive.

Fifth series of debates: January 2017

• Mock debate: The Eurozone should have its own budget.
• Debate contest: The EU pursues a protectionist trade policy
• Debate contest: The EU monetary union should have a “temporary exit” mechanism.
• Final debate: Soft Brexit is in the EU’s interest.

Judges (2013-2015): 

Dr. Savvas PAPASAVVAS, Judge and President of Chamber, General Court, Luxemburg (Chair)

Dr. Christian de BOISSIEU, Professor, University Paris-1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Former President of the Conseil D’Analyse Economique

Dr. Adina CLAICI, Chief Economist Team, DG Competition, European Commission

First series of debates: January 2013

• Mock debate: "Structural funds should support only regions in poor member states, not poor regions in any member state."
• Debate contest eliminations:  "The EU should not have a financial transaction tax".
• Final debate: "The Eurozone should have its own budget".​

Second series of debates: January 2014

• Mock debate: "The Eurozone should have its own budget."
• Debate contest eliminations: "The European Union has reached its optimal size."
• Final debate: "The European Union should have a banking union with a single resolution mechanism."
• Final Speech by Dr. Savvas PAPASAVVAS: "Economic Evidence and Standard of Review by the General Court of the EU."

Third series of debates: January 2015

• Mock debate: The Eurozone should have its own budget.
• Debate contest eliminations: The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership offers significant economic benefits to the EU and the US.
• Final debate:  The European Union should harmonize labour market policies,  ensuring a genuine European labour market and protecting labour mobility.
• Final Speech by Dr. Savvas PAPASAVVAS: "Economic Evidence and Standard of Review by the General Court of the EU."