Navigating the Evolution of Media Education in Romania: A Critical Analysis of Teachers' Professional Training Programs

The rise of the Sars-Cov-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine have intensified discussions about media literacy within Romanian public discourse. The rapid spread of communication issues such as disinformation, information overload, and social media echo chambers has highlighted the global community's struggle with these challenges, lacking adequate skills and tools. This paper examines the limited media education initiatives in Romania’s non-governmental sector amidst a broader decline in media literacy, as reflected by Romania’s low ranking in the 2023 European Media Literacy Index. With Romania scoring 32 points, significantly behind Finland's 74 points, there is a marked absence of clear objectives in national policies aimed at improving media literacy. The paper analyzes media education programs for teachers in Romania from 2017 to 2022, focusing on aspects such as program providers, curriculum content, duration, and competencies. These findings not only explain the current state of media education in Romania but also offer a foundation for integrating scattered local initiatives into a coherent national framework aimed at strengthening media literacy education across the country.