Schuman Challenge Canada 2026

About the Schuman Challenge

The Schuman Challenge is the European Union's flagship academic competition for university students in Canada, organised by the European Union through its Delegation to Canada. It encourages students to engage in pressing global debates and explore the shared values and interests of the EU and Canada. For its third edition in Canada, the 2025 Schuman Challenge invites teams of students to engage on a critical topic:

2026 Theme: Building a Stronger EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

Thematic Pillars

Teams must address at least two thematic pillars of the following: defence industrial cooperation, transatlantic security, economic security (trade, supply chains and energy resilience), digital and advanced technology security, Arctic security ,democratic resilience & hybrid threats.

Eligibility

• Open to undergraduate and master's students currently enrolled at Canadian universities.
• Both students must be Canadian nationals currently enrolled and studying in a Canadian university.
• Students must apply in teams of two and jointly write and present their proposals.

Application Guidelines

Participating teams must submit an essay of up to 2,000 words in English or French. The essay should include a concrete policy proposal, clear recommendations, and a relevant case study.

Citation guidelines: Essays must use the Chicago Manual of Style (author-date or notes and bibliography) for all citations and references.

Essays, together with one CV per student, must be submitted to [email protected] by 08 April 2026, EOD.

Selection Process

Round 1: Online essay review.

Five finalist teams (10 students) will be selected by a jury composed of officers from the EU Delegation to Canada, the Government of Canada, and a Jean Monnet Chair. The five teams will be invited to Ottawa on the first week of May 2026 to present their ideas in front of the jury at the finale.

Round 2: Essay presentation in Ottawa, first week of May 2026

Each team will give a 10-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Teams will receive feedback, network with peers and experts, and receive participation diplomas. Support for travel and accommodation will be provided if needed.

What's at stake?

The top three teams will be awarded a fully funded study trip to Brussels in June 2026. Students will visit EU institutions, meet policymakers and EU officials, and gain firsthand insight into how the EU operates on the global stage.

By participating, students will:

• Deepen their understanding of how the EU and Canada work together to strengthen security, resilience, and geopolitical stability
• Enhance their policy writing and public speaking skills
• Engage with diplomats, academics, and future leaders
• Represent their university in a nationally recognised initiative
• Earn a chance to travel to Brussels and build international experience

Stay connected

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Find the Topic Brief here: