The JCI European Debating Academy 2027 is a three-day, English-language debate training weekend organised by JCI Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland, from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January 2027. Experienced JCI trainers teach young entrepreneurs and professionals aged 18 to 40 how to build arguments, rebut under pressure and speak with confidence. Tickets are not on sale yet: register your interest and the organisers will contact you as soon as booking opens.
JCI European Debating Academy 2027 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | JCI European Debating Academy 2027 |
| Dates | Friday 22 – Sunday 24 January 2027 |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland (United Kingdom) |
| Organiser | JCI Scotland |
| Language | English |
| Online warm-up | Introduction to Debating, Monday 18 January 2027, 6pm – 7pm UK time (7pm – 8pm Belgian time) |
| Tickets | Not yet on sale; register your interest to be notified |
What is the JCI European Debating Academy 2027?
It is the next edition of the European Debate Academy (EDA), an intensive weekend of theory, practical exercises and live practice debates with personal feedback from trainers who have won at international level. The format was started by JCI Edinburgh and is now run by JCI Scotland. JCI Europe lists it among its skills academies for members who want to debate at European or world level.
JCI Scotland has deep roots in debating: Eric Stevenson, a JCI Scotland member and JCI World President in 1963, introduced debating to the JCI World Congress, and the World Congress debating award still carries his name. According to JCI Scotland, JCI Ireland’s entire 2022 debate team attended the academy and went on to win the English debate competition at the 2022 JCI World Congress.
Who is this debate academy for?
Beginners
No experience is needed. The online Introduction to Debating on Monday 18 January 2027 covers the basics, so first-timers arrive in Edinburgh ready to take part.
Experienced debaters
Competitive debaters use the academy to sharpen case building, rebuttal and delivery ahead of the European Debating Championship at the JCI European Conference 2027 in The Hague (2–5 June 2027).
Young entrepreneurs
Debating trains what young entrepreneurs need every day: structuring an argument quickly, listening to the other side and persuading a sceptical audience. The European debate academy is also a strong networking weekend: the 2025 edition in Aberdeen drew participants from at least nine countries, from Sweden and Ukraine to Nigeria and the Philippines, as Aberdeen Business News reported.
How to register for the JCI European Debating Academy 2027
- Register your interest via the JCI Scotland registration form.
- Book your ticket as soon as JCI Scotland emails you that tickets are live; places at past editions were limited.
- Prepare your trip: Belgian citizens need a passport and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £20), according to the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs. JCI members also get 10% off an Airalo eSIM.
Related debate events on jci.be
Prefer to debate in French? Join the JCI French Debate Academy 2027. Put your skills to the test at the JCI European Conference 2027 or the world debate finals at the JCI World Congress 2027 in Nagoya. Or browse all JCI Belgium events.
Frequently asked questions about the JCI European Debating Academy 2027
When and where is the JCI European Debating Academy 2027?
The JCI European Debating Academy 2027 takes place from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January 2027 in Edinburgh, Scotland, with an optional online introduction on Monday 18 January 2027.
Is the European Debating Academy the same as the European Debate Academy?
Yes. JCI Scotland officially calls it the European Debate Academy (EDA). Both names refer to the same weekend in Edinburgh.
How much does the JCI European Debating Academy 2027 cost?
Prices for 2027 have not been published yet. Earlier editions cost roughly £45 to £100, depending on the ticket package.
Do I need to be a JCI member to join the JCI European Debating Academy 2027?
The academy is designed for JCI members aged 18 to 40. Not a member yet? Become a JCI member through your local JCI Belgium chapter.
Sharpen your debating skills in Edinburgh
Three days of expert coaching, a head start for the European and world championships and a network across Europe make this academy worth the trip. Register your interest today.
