Education: 1 billion euros saved from PNRR and major projects until 2026

The Ministry of Education and Research obtained, through the budget rectification for 2025, an additional allocation for the grant and loan components. The funds allow the continuation of the implementation of all projects renegotiated with the European Commission and authorized by the memorandum approved by the Government on September 18. Minister Daniel David emphasized that, upon taking office in December 2024, the ministry had a large number of PNRR projects underway signed between 2022-2024, but none of them completed. The analysis carried out at the beginning of 2025 showed that the deadline of August 31, 2026 could not be met for all of them, with the risk of losing considerable amounts.

"We renegotiated the budget and projects together with MIPE and the European Commission, saving about 1 billion euros from the loss and committing to realistic projects, which will greatly improve education in Romania,” the minister declared. Projects without adequate progress will be reprioritized on other available funds or terminated according to the law.

The minister presented a series of major objectives to be achieved: Schools and laboratories: over 5,800 schools, clubs and children's palaces will be endowed and equipped by the end of the year; 1,400 multidisciplinary smart laboratories will reach 1,093 high schools; Universities: 60 state and private higher education institutions will complete digitization projects, digital skills training and updating of study programs; Teachers: at least 100,000 pre-university teachers will be certified in digital pedagogy.

• Educational projects with a deadline of 2026

The additional funds ensure the premises for the completion of all PNRR projects by August 31, 2026: Combating school dropout: 2,300 projects for medium and high-risk schools, through which over 300,000 students receive educational support, modern materials, food, remedial and extracurricular activities, counseling; Dual education: construction of 8 campuses that create direct links between schools, local authorities and the private environment; Green schools: the first network of this type in Romania, with 8 rehabilitated units and 34 new constructions, totaling 130,700 sq m, all compliant with energy efficiency standards; Social university infrastructure: 45 projects for the rehabilitation and construction of dormitories, canteens and recreational spaces, totaling 15,974 accommodation places, 15,359 recreational places and 3,165 dining places. Of these, 40% are dedicated to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To improve school management, 10,000 directors and inspectors will be trained in managerial skills. The ministry also promises to strengthen monitoring and control mechanisms to guarantee the completion of projects within the established deadline.