Deusto joins the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the New Charter of Biscay (1526–2026) with a new academic debating competition

The University of Deusto hosted a new edition of its academic debating league from 22 to 24 October. This educational initiative aims to deepen participants’ understanding of a range of current issues while promoting the art of argumentation and critical thinking. More than 50 students from Deusto and other invited universities took part.

This year, the 500th anniversary of the approval of the New Charter of Biscay (1526–2026) has provided an opportunity for the University Debate Club to explore this milestone in depth through a question closely linked to the anniversary: Does the first additional provision of the Spanish Constitution allow for an expansion of the powers of the autonomous communities?

After weeks of individual research and group analysis, the teams took part in five rounds of debate, alternating between arguments for and against the motion, and were assessed by a panel of university lecturers. They also had the opportunity to engage with experts in the field of law and put their questions to them during informal sessions in the library atrium.