Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2026
"‘Culture is at the heart of what it means to be European. But is Ireland culturally closer to Strasbourg or Sydney?’"
Three minutes to have your say for or against the motion.
This is the sixteenth year of the annual Europe Direct Information network Soapbox competition!
The Soapbox, with its origins in the turn of the last century and echoes of Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, is a perfect vehicle to showcase our proud tradition of public speaking across the country. The Europe Direct Soapbox competition is an annual autumn event, raising awareness locally and nationally of topical issues in Europe and providing people with the opportunity to have their say.
This year the theme for the soapbox is "Culture is at the heart of what it means to be European. But is Ireland culturally closer to Strasbourg or Sydney?"
Three minutes to have your say for or against the motion.
Each Europe Direct will run a regional event, and the winners from each region will then go on to compete in the National Final in the Royal College of Physicians Dublin on Thursday 3rd December 2026. Regional winners receive a prize of an iPad, sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland. From the regional finals, the sixteen winning entries will qualify for the Grand Final. Both 16 & Under and 17 & Over successful candidates will be competing for overall prizes sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
See below for the competition rules and the entry form. If you would like to enter, return the completed entry form to your local Europe Direct.