A group of young people from CEGE Association, participated in the Erasmus+ project “DebatEU”, held in Bușteni, a picturesque mountain town in the Romanian Carpathians. The project brought together participants from Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, Lithuania, and Spain, creating an international space for learning, dialogue, and intercultural exchange.

Surrounded by the peaceful nature of Poiana Țapului, the participants explored the power of debate and discovered how strong arguments, critical thinking, and effective communication can help young people express their ideas and take a more active role in society.

About the project

“DebatEU” focused on developing essential soft skills such as argumentation, critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication. Through non-formal education activities, participants learned how to structure their ideas, understand different types of speech, present convincing arguments, and respond respectfully to opposing viewpoints.

The programme showed that debating skills are not useful only during formal competitions or organized debates. They can be applied in everyday conversations, teamwork, education, professional environments, and situations in which young people need to defend their opinions or participate in important decisions.

Participants also explored the functioning of European institutions and discussed topics connected to the European Union, active citizenship, democratic engagement, and the role of young people in shaping the future of Europe. At the same time, they strengthened their Erasmus+ competences and learned from the different perspectives and experiences represented within the international group.

The experience

Beyond the educational programme, “DebatEU” offered participants the opportunity to build new friendships, exchange cultures, and enjoy meaningful time together in an inspiring mountain environment.

The activities created space for collaboration, open discussion, and learning from one another. Participants practiced expressing their opinions confidently, listening actively, examining issues from different perspectives, and working together despite their cultural differences.

The location in Bușteni also became an important part of the experience. Surrounded by the impressive scenery of the Carpathian Mountains, the group had the opportunity to enjoy the local nature and explore nearby landmarks. These shared moments outside the activity room helped strengthen the group dynamic and created some of the project’s most memorable experiences.

The Bulgarian group leader, Stilyan Ivanov, shared his impressions:

“I had a lot of fun and spent quality time with some truly wonderful people. During the activities, I learned new things about debating and realized that these skills can be useful everywhere, not only during organized debate events. They can help us communicate more clearly, defend our ideas, and understand other points of view in everyday life. I also really enjoyed the beautiful nature and the landmarks nearby, which made the whole experience even more memorable.”

Why it matters

For CEGE Association, participation in “DebatEU” was another valuable opportunity to support young people in developing skills that are important both for their personal growth and their active involvement in society.

Being able to communicate clearly, evaluate information critically, support an opinion with evidence, and listen respectfully to different perspectives is essential in today’s world. These competences help young people become more confident, informed, and prepared to participate in democratic life.

By bringing together participants from five European countries, the project demonstrated that debate is not simply about winning an argument. It is a way to understand different perspectives, challenge assumptions, find common ground, and turn dialogue into meaningful action.

We are grateful to the coordinating organization, Asociația pentru Sprijinirea Colegiului Economic Petre S. Aurelian, and to the Erasmus+ Programme for making this educational and intercultural experience possible.

Stay tuned for more stories from our international projects and discover how Erasmus+ opportunities empower young people to change, explore, and grow through exchange.