The Schuman Challenge is an annual academic competition organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States for undergraduate students enrolled at colleges and universities across the United States. The competition gives students the opportunity to conduct original research, develop practical policy recommendations on transatlantic issues, and present and defend their ideas before a panel of judges.

Registration for the 2027 edition is now open.

The Schuman Challenge is designed to encourage undergraduate students to engage with major issues affecting relations between the European Union and the United States. Through research, teamwork, policy analysis, public speaking and critical thinking, participants are challenged to examine a specific topic selected by the EU Delegation and develop actionable recommendations.

For students interested in international relations, political science, diplomacy, European studies, foreign policy, international security, economics, technology, public policy and transatlantic affairs, the Schuman Challenge provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to a real-world policy question.

About the Schuman Challenge

The Schuman Challenge is the annual foreign affairs contest organized by the European Union Delegation to the United States.

The competition focuses on EU-U.S. relations and asks participating undergraduate teams to develop policy recommendations addressing a specific topic announced by the EU Delegation.

Rather than simply writing an academic paper, participants must be prepared to present, explain and defend their recommendations before judges.

What Participants Are Expected to Do

Each participating team is expected to:

1. Conduct original research on the competition topic.
2. Examine relevant evidence and sources.
3. Develop actionable policy recommendations.
4. Prepare a 10-minute presentation.
5. Present the proposal to a panel of judges.
6. Participate in a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
7. Defend the team’s recommendations and respond to questions from the judges.

The competition therefore combines academic research, policy analysis, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking and communication skills.

Schuman Challenge 2027 Registration

Registration for the 2027 edition of the Schuman Challenge is now open.

The competition is organized specifically for undergraduate students at U.S. colleges and universities. Each participating institution can enter one team consisting of three to four undergraduate students.

Prospective participants should carefully review the official registration requirements and any updated competition guidance before registering.

2027 Application Deadline

The official page provided states that registration for the 2027 edition is open, but it does not currently state a specific closing deadline.

Applicants should therefore monitor the official registration page and the EU Delegation’s Schuman Challenge webpage for updates regarding the application deadline, competition topic and detailed 2027 requirements.

How the Schuman Challenge Works

The competition is structured around several stages that give participating teams the opportunity to progress from an online preliminary round to an in-person competition in Washington, D.C.

1. University or College Registration

The Schuman Challenge operates on a university and college team basis.

Only one team from each university or college can compete.

Each team consists of three to four undergraduate students.

Students interested in participating should therefore coordinate with their institution and determine how their university or college will organize its team.

2. Preliminary Round

The preliminary round takes place online in a live format.

Participating teams present their proposals to a panel of three judges.

The preliminary rounds are held on multiple dates.

During this stage, teams are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the assigned issue, explain their recommendations clearly and respond effectively to questions from the judges.

3. Semi-Final Round in Washington, D.C.

Fifteen teams qualify from the preliminary round and are invited to participate in the semi-final stage.

The semi-final takes place in person at the EU Delegation’s office in Washington, D.C.

The selected teams present their proposals to EU officials and experts.

Semi-finalist teams receive a travel stipend and accommodation in Washington, D.C., according to the competition information.

4. Final Round

Three teams progress from the semi-final stage to the final round.

The final round also takes place in Washington, D.C.

The finalist teams present their proposals and compete for the opportunity to become the winning team of the Schuman Challenge.

The Schuman Challenge Presentation Format

Each team gives a 10-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session with the judges.

Visual aids may be used during the presentation.

This means participants need to be able to communicate complex policy issues in a clear and structured manner while also responding to questions under pressure.

The presentation should demonstrate the team’s understanding of the issue, the evidence supporting its position and the practical nature of its recommendations.

Research Requirements

Participants are expected to conduct original research, cite sources and prepare policy proposals based on credible evidence.

Teams Should Be Prepared To:

• Identify the central policy challenge.
• Research the existing EU-U.S. relationship relating to the issue.
• Examine relevant evidence and existing policies.
• Identify challenges, gaps or opportunities.
• Develop an actionable policy recommendation.
• Support their proposal with credible sources.
• Prepare a structured presentation.
• Anticipate questions from the judges.
• Defend their recommendations during the Q&A session.

The Winning Team’s Prize

The winning team receives a four-day Victory Tour of Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union.

During the Victory Tour, the winning students have the opportunity to visit EU institutions and engage with officials and organizations involved in European policymaking.

The winning team also has the opportunity to present its winning policy proposal to EU officials.

What the Victory Tour Can Include

The prize provides the winning students with opportunities to:

• Visit European Union institutions.
• Meet or engage with EU officials.
• Visit relevant organizations and think tanks.
• Present their winning policy proposal.
• Gain exposure to European policymaking.
• Learn more about EU-U.S. relations and transatlantic cooperation.

The 2026 Schuman Challenge

The 2026 edition of the Schuman Challenge took place on April 7–8, 2026, at the EU Delegation’s office in Washington, D.C.

The 2026 competition focused on the future of EU-U.S. cooperation on security.

The competition topic asked students to develop a policy proposal analyzing the current state of EU-U.S. cooperation on security and proposing an initiative or policy that could strengthen the partnership in the coming years.

2026 Competition Areas

Teams were required to consider two of four areas:

• Defense
• Economy, trade and energy
• Technology and digital
• Arctic cooperation

The topic was connected to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the evolution of the transatlantic relationship.

2026 Participation and Results

The 2026 edition involved universities from across the United States.

According to the EU Delegation:

• 34 universities participated in the preliminary rounds.
• The participating universities represented 20 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
• 15 teams advanced to the semi-final round.
• Three teams advanced to the final round.

2026 Final Results

1. Macalester College, Minnesota
2. Patrick Henry College, Virginia
3. Stanford University, California

Macalester College won the 2026 competition.

The winning team developed a proposal called the “Atlantic Cable Infrastructure Program.” The proposal focused on cooperation between the European Union and United States to monitor, maintain and defend transatlantic cable systems using new technology.

The second- and third-placed teams were also commended for their policy proposals.

Skills Students Can Develop

The Schuman Challenge provides participants with an opportunity to develop practical skills that can be useful in academic, policy, diplomatic and professional environments.

Research Skills

Students conduct original research and use credible sources to support their recommendations.

Policy Analysis

Participants examine complex international issues and develop practical policy proposals.

Public Speaking

Each team must deliver a 10-minute presentation before judges.

Critical Thinking

Participants need to analyze the assigned issue and respond to questions about their recommendations.

Teamwork

Teams consist of three to four students, requiring participants to coordinate research, writing, presentation preparation and responses.

Communication

Students must explain complicated international policy issues in a clear and understandable manner.

International Affairs

The competition provides students with exposure to issues involving EU-U.S. relations, foreign affairs and transatlantic cooperation.

Who Should Consider This Opportunity?

The Schuman Challenge may be particularly relevant to undergraduate students interested in fields such as:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• International Affairs
• Diplomacy
• European Studies
• Foreign Policy
• Security Studies
• International Economics
• Technology Policy
• Public Policy
• Government
• International Development
• Strategic Studies

However, the competition is not limited to one specific academic discipline. The key requirement is that participants meet the official eligibility requirements and can contribute effectively to their university’s team.

Important Eligibility Information

The Schuman Challenge is specifically designed for undergraduate students from U.S. colleges and universities.

Each university or college may enter only one team.

Teams consist of three to four undergraduate students.

Geographic Eligibility

The official competition description identifies undergraduate students from colleges and universities in the United States as the target participants.

Students studying at universities outside the United States should not assume that they are eligible simply because they are undergraduate students.

The competition is therefore not presented as an open worldwide opportunity for undergraduate students.

Benefits of Participating

Participating in the Schuman Challenge can provide students with several valuable experiences, including:

• Opportunity to conduct original policy research.
• Experience developing actionable policy recommendations.
• Opportunity to present before judges and experts.
• Exposure to EU officials and experts.
• Experience participating in an academic foreign affairs competition.
• Travel opportunity for qualifying teams to Washington, D.C.
• Travel stipend and accommodation for semi-finalist teams.
• Opportunity for the winning team to travel to Brussels.
• Opportunity to visit EU institutions.
• Opportunity to present to EU officials.
• Development of teamwork and leadership skills.
• Development of public speaking and presentation skills.
• Exposure to transatlantic policy issues.

How to Prepare for the Schuman Challenge 2027

Students and universities interested in participating can begin preparing by taking the following steps.

Step 1: Form a Team

Identify three or four eligible undergraduate students who can work effectively together.

Step 2: Coordinate With Your University

Since only one team can represent each university or college, students should communicate with the relevant department, faculty, international affairs office or university administration about participation.

Step 3: Follow the Official 2027 Topic

The competition topic is determined by the EU Delegation. Teams should carefully study the official 2027 instructions once the topic and competition guide are available.

Step 4: Conduct Original Research

Use credible academic, governmental and institutional sources to understand the issue and the existing EU-U.S. relationship.

Step 5: Develop an Actionable Policy Proposal

Teams should develop a practical proposal rather than simply describing a problem.

Step 6: Prepare for Questions

Judges will have the opportunity to question participants, so teams should anticipate possible challenges to their recommendations.

Step 7: Practice the Presentation

The 10-minute presentation limit means teams should practice extensively to ensure that their most important arguments are presented clearly within the allotted time.

Application Information

Opportunity

Schuman Challenge 2027

Organizer

Delegation of the European Union to the United States

Opportunity Type

Academic Competition

Target Participants

Undergraduate students

Eligible Institutions

Colleges and universities in the United States

Team Size

3–4 undergraduate students

Teams Per Institution

One team per university or college

Competition Format

Online preliminary round followed by in-person rounds in Washington, D.C.

Semi-Finalists

15 teams

Finalists

3 teams

Winner’s Prize

Four-day Victory Tour of Brussels

Registration Status

Open

Application Deadline

Not stated on the provided official page

Application Link

Interested eligible students and universities can access the official 2027 registration portal below:

-School-Registration-1

Official Website

For official information about the Schuman Challenge, competition updates, eligibility requirements and announcements from the European Union Delegation to the United States, visit:

schuman-challenge

OFY Website

For more opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities For Youth website HERE

Conclusion

The Schuman Challenge 2027 is an academic competition that gives undergraduate students at U.S. colleges and universities an opportunity to engage with important issues concerning the European Union and the United States.

The competition combines original research, policy analysis, teamwork, public speaking and the development of actionable recommendations. Participants begin with an online preliminary stage, while successful teams can progress to an in-person competition in Washington, D.C.

Fifteen teams advance to the semi-final stage, three teams reach the final, and the winning team receives a four-day Victory Tour of Brussels, where students can visit EU institutions and present their winning proposal to EU officials.

With registration for the 2027 edition now open, eligible undergraduate students and U.S. universities can begin preparing their teams.

Because the official page provided does not currently state a 2027 registration deadline, prospective participants should regularly check the official Schuman Challenge website and registration portal for the latest deadline, competition topic, guide and application requirements.