Testimonials ⇒

„In addition to extensive contextual knowledge about Europe, NRW debates Europe enables practical relevance and contacts to politics and civil society organisations through innovative and interactive methods (e.g. the voting tool Mentimeter or video recordings) and the regular invitation of external speakers, which are not only valuable for the personal development of students, but can also be important for their later professional success.“

Social Sciences Student Council, University of Duisburg-Essen (2019)

“The event provides a good basis not only for getting in touch with students from other universities, but also for learning important skills. Arguing based solely on facts and information, regardless of one's personal opinion, is one of the most important things you can learn from 'NRW debattiert Europa'.”

Lena Joisten, political science student, University of Duisburg-Essen (2025)

“Jean Monnet Professor Michael Kaeding of the University of Duisburg-Essen wins this year’s ‘PADEMIA Teaching Award’ and is thus honoured for his NRW-wide cross-university debating initiative NRW debates Europe and his outstanding achievements in the field of teaching throughout Europe.”

Jury from the PADEMIA Teaching Awards (2016)

“NRW debates Europe is characterised by its versatility, the ability to think independently, the enhancement of argumentation skills and eloquent presentation, its competitive nature and its clear practical relevance. Students learn competences that have a strong impact on their personal development and sharpen their political science skills, which are often neglected in conventional courses.”

Dr Solveig Randhahn, Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen (2019)

“I am delighted that this profitable format has been honoured with the PADEMIA Award. At the closing event, I myself was able to see the passion with which the students debated European topics. The project successfully helps students from NRW to network with each other.”

Dr. Marc Jan Eumann, State Secretary for Europe and Media of the State of NRW (2016)