Humboldt Berlin IV started

With a delay of 45 minutes but amidst cheering crowds, BDU's chief adjudicator Patrick Ehmann on Friday evening opened the Berlin Humboldt IV at the German capital's Humboldt University.

"We are extremely pleased to have so many participants from more than 20 European countries here today," Ehmann said. "And this despite an Icelandic volcano covering Europe with ash."

Five minutes later, participants already headed off to the first debate on the motion "This house would recognize economic deprivation as a ground for asylum."

48 teams attend the Humboldt Berlin IV, which is due to end Sunday with a great final at Humboldt University.