On Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, the annual Elysée Treaty Debate took place at the Eurocampus, with 11th class students from St. Kilian’s German School Dublin and Lycée Français International Samuel Beckett (LFI) forming mixed teams. This year’s motion was “Young people under age 16 should be banned from Social Media Platforms to protect them from harm” before an audience of distinguished guests and 10th and 11th class students from both schools.
We were also delighted to welcome Mr Jack Moloney, Press Officer at the European Parliament Liaison Office, Dr. Wolfram von Heynitz, Deputy German Ambassador to Ireland and Mr Xavier d’Argoeuves, Cultural Counsellor at the French Embassy as special guests. We also were delighted to have esteemed adjudicators Mrs Linda Golden, Mentor for Concern Ireland Debates and founder of the debate, Mrs Noémie Njangiru, Director of the Goethe-Institut Ireland and Ms Caroline Chauvire, Campus Director of EM Normandie Business School who faced the difficult tasks of selecting the winning team.
Held in German, French, and English, the event simulated a European Committee meeting, during which students presented strong arguments across social, economic and political perspectives. We would like to commend all debaters on delivering well-prepared speeches and impressive rebuttals.
In a close contest, the Opposition team consisting of Alex (St. Kilian’s), Sophie (LFI), Danny (St. Kilian’s), Charlotte (St. Kilian’s), Aglaé (LFI), Connie (St. Kilian’s), Etienne (LFI), Mira (Researcher) and Tina (Researcher) – was declared this year’s winners and were presented with a perpetual trophy.
We would like to extend our thanks to the organising teachers, especially to Mrs Rafferty who put a lot of work into it, and to our fantastic hosts and time keepers from 12th Class – Nicholas, Aarnav and Julien – as well as all supporters who joined this wonderful event.
Founded in 2013 to celebrate the Franco-German friendship treaty, the debate has grown into a key annual event at the Eurocampus and is a highlight in our school calendar. In these uncertain times, the debate was a powerful symbol of cooperation and friendship, exemplified by the dedicated group of students speaking in German, French, and English.
