The Ministry of Education proposes annual assessments, teacher training, and activities for students as part of an anti-radicalization plan

The Ministry of Education and Research, the Prime Minister’s Chancellery and the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Thursday, November 12, launched for public consultation a strategy to prevent radicalization and violent extremism in schools across Romania. The document addresses risks associated with online propaganda, disinformation, hate speech and social polarization, particularly among minors.

The main new measure is the introduction, starting in 2027, of annual assessments in 100 educational institutions. School inspectorates, school counselors, committees for violence prevention and child protection services would identify risk factors, without political or religious views or isolated behaviors automatically leading to a student being labeled an extremist.

The plan calls for training 4,000 counselors and school psychologists through courses lasting at least 40 hours, covering the recognition of radical symbols, recruitment methods and behavioral changes. Lessons for students will address manipulation, propaganda, human rights and the verification of false information.

The strategy also includes media literacy programs for 10,000 students, information sessions for 50,000 parents and the creation of a network of 1,000 specialists. However, the document does not specify a total budget, while the criteria for selecting schools and the differences between the 2026–2029 timetable and some measures extended through 2030 remain unclear. The project must be approved by the Government.