PASOK Ioannina warns of bureaucratic hurdles for school excursions

The PASOK-KINAL Ioannina Provincial Election Committee has expressed concern regarding new institutional frameworks and Ministry of Education guidelines governing school excursions and educational travel. The committee warns that excessive bureaucracy may transform teachers into administrative inspectors, potentially discouraging organized trips.

While emphasizing that student safety is non-negotiable, the committee argues that technical checks—such as verifying bus specifications and travel agency insurance—should be the responsibility of state regulatory mechanisms rather than schools. They contend that safety should not be measured merely by paperwork.

There is specific concern for the mountainous regions of Epirus, including Konitsa, Pogoni, Zagori, Metsovo, Zitsa, Dodoni, and Tzoumerka. These areas rely on hundreds of annual school visits for experiential learning and local economic support. The committee is calling for the simplification and digitalization of procedures, automatic data verification by authorities, and a clear distinction between pedagogical responsibility and administrative oversight.