The G-9 Universities have chosen the political future of the European Union as the central theme for the upcoming XVII Interuniversity Debate League, which will occur from 14 to 16 April 2027 at the University of La Rioja. This competition will challenge participating student teams with a pressing question: to what extent should European integration advance, and what level of autonomy should member states retain?
The debate will revolve around the question: “Should the European Union move towards greater political integration, even if it reduces the autonomy of member states?” This topic was agreed upon during the meeting of the Sectoral Commission for Cultural and Social Projection of the G-9, held on 3 and 4 November in Cáceres, presided over by Joxerramon Bengoetxea, rector of Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea.
Representatives from the University of Cantabria included Rebeca Saavedra, Vice-Rector for Culture and Transfer, and Emma Díaz, Vice-Rector for University Community, along with Eva Cuartango, Director of the University Extension Areas. The meeting, organised by the University of Extremadura, was opened by host rector Pedro Fernández and Vice-Rector for University Extension María Teresa Terrón, who welcomed the university representatives.
This debate will allow students to explore issues such as the distribution of competencies between the European Union and member states, the capacity of community institutions to make common decisions, and the implications of increased political integration. Participants will be required to prepare arguments on both sides of the issue and defend them during the debates, regardless of their personal opinions.
About the G-9 interuniversity debate league
The Interuniversity Debate League is one of the most prominent cultural and student participation activities within the G-9. It brings together teams representing their universities around a common question, requiring them to present opposing positions supported by documented arguments and responses to the opposing team's interventions. The competition aims to promote oratory skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and respect for differing opinions. A jury evaluates the quality of the arguments, clarity of presentations, and participants' ability to refute opposing points.
The upcoming edition in La Rioja continues a well-established activity in the cultural cooperation calendar of the G-9, providing students the opportunity to engage in discussions with peers from other universities on matters of public interest.
30th anniversary virtual exhibition
In 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the G-9's establishment, the Sectoral Commission for Cultural and Social Projection will organise a joint virtual exhibition showcasing the artistic wealth of each member university. Each university will produce an informative audiovisual piece on selected artworks, including sculptures, paintings, engravings, and photographs. These videos will be displayed on the websites, social media, and screens of all participating universities.
Cultural balance and upcoming musical contest
The Commission also reviewed the activities conducted in 2026, including the XVI Debate League, the IX Musical Contest, and the VI University Theatre Showcase. The final of the Musical Contest took place on 2 October at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, with the University of Cantabria securing first place, followed by the University of Zaragoza and the Universitat de les Illes Balears. The next edition will be hosted by the University of Murcia in 2027.
During the meeting, the representatives discussed the importance of ensuring that participating groups maintain a strong connection with their university communities. They also exchanged experiences on cultural programming, heritage conservation and dissemination, accessibility, and student participation, exploring collaborative initiatives such as travelling exhibitions and shared artistic projects.
Joint candidacy for the 2027 university championships
In the sports arena, G-9 representatives reviewed details of their joint candidacy to host the 2027 Spanish University Championships (CEU). This initiative aims to leverage cooperation between institutions and their sports facilities to host various national competitions. The sports working group also discussed the development and coordination of this proposal, as well as the outcomes of the II G-9 Interuniversity Sports Meeting, held at the University of Extremadura, and preparations for a new edition.
About the G-9 universities
The G-9 Universities group, established in 1997, comprises the only public generalist universities in their respective autonomous communities: the University of Cantabria, the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the University of Extremadura, the Universitat de les Illes Balears, the University of La Rioja, the University of Oviedo, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, the Public University of Navarra, the University of Zaragoza, and the University of Murcia. Additionally, the University of Burgos, the University of La Laguna, the University of Cádiz, and the University of Jaén participate as collaborating entities and are part of the G-9 Shared Digital Campus.
