The Future of the European Union between Integration and Enlargement

Friday, May 8

GENERAL DEBATE RULES

1. STRUCTURE OF THE DEBATE

A debate is a structured confrontation between two teams discussing a motion, meaning a topic on which a position must be taken. The primary and fundamental goal is to convince the judges through solid, logical, and well-presented arguments.

There are two teams: the Proposition (PRO), which supports the motion (chosen by the judges), and the Opposition (CON), which contests it. Each team is composed of three speakers, each with a specific role.

2. ROLE OF THE SPEAKERS

The debate follows a fixed order: the first PRO speaker begins, then the first CON speaker, and so on until the third speaker of both teams. Each speech generally lasts between 6 and 8 minutes, depending on the tournament (timings may vary).

The first PRO speaker opens the debate: they define the terms of the motion (they may assign meanings to terms that best suit their position), clarify any ambiguous concepts, and present the team line, which is the central idea underlying all arguments. They then introduce one or two (usually no more than two) main arguments supporting their position.

Next, the first CON speaker responds, either accepting or challenging the definitions given by the PRO. This speaker begins the direct clash and introduces the opposing team’s line and initial counterarguments.

The second speakers (starting with PRO) have a dynamic role: they must respond to attacks (rebuttal), reinforce their team’s case, and introduce new arguments (this speaker usually presents the largest number of arguments). This is typically where the debate intensifies and becomes more confrontational.

The third speakers do not introduce new arguments. Their role is strategic: they summarize the debate and compare the main points. They focus on dismantling the weaker arguments of the opposing team. Their role is entirely devoted to rebuttal and deconstruction, which is why they do not have time to introduce new material.

3. REPLY SPEECHES

After all three speakers from each team have spoken, reply speeches are delivered. These are very short final speeches lasting about 3 minutes. This time, the CON team speaks first, and the PRO team closes the debate.

Reply speeches are usually delivered by the first speaker of each team, though the second speaker may also do so (this must be agreed upon before the debate begins).

Introducing new arguments at this stage is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. The reply speech is a clear, simplified strategic summary highlighting the key points of the debate and reinforcing the idea that one’s team has won.

4. QUESTIONS AND INTERVENTIONS

During speeches, it is possible (and recommended) to make brief interruptions/questions called P.O.I. (Point of Information/Intervention).

These are questions or objections posed by the opposing team to the current speaker. They are valid only if requested by raising a hand. Interrupting without doing so may lead to disqualification.

Note: Questions can only be asked after the first minute and before the last minute of a speech. Therefore, each speech has a “protected” beginning and ending, allowing the speaker to introduce and conclude without interruption.

Each speaker may accept up to three questions. They are free to accept or refuse a POI. If accepted, the exchange should last no longer than about 15 seconds. POIs are used to challenge the opponent, highlight weaknesses, and make the debate more interactive.

5. JUDGING

Judges evaluate three main aspects:

• Content: the quality and logic of the arguments
• Style: clarity, confidence, and communication skills
• Strategy: the choices made by speakers during the debate, such as which questions to answer

Judges also assess the organization of the speech and the ability to highlight key points.

Note: A judge or external timekeeper is responsible for tracking speaking time and signaling the final minute of each speech.