Greece announces academic reforms and faces teacher protests

The Greek Ministry of Education has issued a ministerial decision introducing significant changes to the academic landscape, set to take effect during the 2027 Panhellenic Examinations. The restructuring involves extensive modifications to the classification of Schools, Departments, and Admission Directions across various scientific fields.

Key changes include the integration of Military Schools into specific scientific fields: Law and Psychology departments of the Military Officers Corps (SSAS) will fall under the 1st Field (Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences), while the Hellenic Military Academy (SSE), Air Force Academy (SI), and Naval Academy (SND) will be placed in the 2nd Field (Science and Technology). Additionally, medical, dental, and pharmaceutical departments of the SSAS will be categorized under the 3rd Field (Health and Life Sciences).

In the university sector, several changes to departments have been announced, including the addition of Environmental Engineering departments in Thessaloniki and Xanthi, and various Physics departments across multiple cities. Conversely, the Department of Physical Environment and Climate Resilience in Drama will be removed.

Separately, educators are protesting a new ministerial decision regarding school excursions. The Athens Primary Education Teachers Association has criticized the new framework as “unworkable,” citing excessive bureaucracy and the imposition of responsibilities that do not belong to teachers. Concerns include mandatory minimums for educational activities, complex tender processes for transportation, and requirements for teachers to oversee bus speed limits.