Developments: Liberal adult education in the margins
In Romania most training is focused on employment, and there is no systematic provision of liberal education apart from the cultural houses in some cities. The situation for adult education in Romania has stayed the same during the last year, with no new policies or initiatives emerging. The funding situation of EAEA’s member Asociatia Euro Adult Education has slightly deteriorated.
COVID-19 significantly affected the whole adult education sector in Romania. The crisis forced EAEA’s member to reduce the number of staff and activities, while transitioning to digital learning. In addition, the Associatia Euro had only a small number of projects last year, which led them to reduce the number of employees.
Civil society in Romania is consulted to a certain extent in policy making. The European Pillar of Social Rights has been implemented visibly in Romania, but no consultation with civil society took place according to EAEA’s member. Funded by the European Structural Fund, the European Pillar of Social Rights has enhanced social cohesion and fostered many important projects, such as the Youth Jobs initiative. The country reports from the European Semester correspond partially to the experience of Associata Euro. There are also some projects in place for the implementation of Upskilling Pathways and fostering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).