# Back-to-school preparations and support in Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/back-to-school-preparations-in-europe > Updated: 2026-08-27T03:02:08.000Z. Sources: 127. Developments: 12. As the 2026/2027 academic year approaches, European regions face mounting financial and logistical pressures. In Romania, the cost for a single child’s supplies—including stationery, clothing, and footwear—is estimated between 1,200 and 3,000 lei. While basic items remain affordable, ergonomic backpacks and branded goods significantly increase budgets. To support health, pediatricians are advising parents to gradually adjust children’s sleep schedules by 15 to 30 minutes nightly and to prioritize natural materials like cotton or wool. Community efforts, such as the GhiozdănOK project in Cluj-Napoca, are also facilitating supply donations for underprivileged students. In Moldova, teacher salary increases originally planned for September 2026 have been postponed due to economic pressures and the requirement for a more comprehensive salary law. Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun announced that while most educators will receive raises of 11% to 15%, high-performing staff may see increases up to 25% starting January 1, 2027. To mitigate the delay, the government will provide monthly net payments of 1,000 lei to staff beginning in October. Furthermore, Moldova has announced educational reforms for 2027, including a new national curriculum emphasizing practical competencies. This includes introducing informatics as early as the 5th grade, implementing a mathematics curriculum aligned with the Estonian model, and focusing on robotics and engineering through tools like 3D printers. Funding debates continue in Romania regarding social scholarships. While the Ministry of Education proposed eliminating these payments during school holidays, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan indicated the government will likely maintain the current system. Bolojan noted that while social allowances are monthly supports, scholarships are specifically intended to support participation in educational activities, and the final legislative form may be adjusted to prevent social impact. This follows warnings from unions and experts that such cuts could increase dropout rates among disadvantaged families. ## Claims - The total cost for a child's school supplies, clothing, and footwear can range from 1,200 to over 3,000 lei. (single source) - Equipping a backpack for primary school students costs between 150 and 160 lei. (single source) - Equipping a backpack for middle school students also starts at 150-160 lei. (single source) - A fully equipped backpack costs an average of approximately 200 lei. (single source) - The 2026-2027 school year begins on September 7. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Slovenia prepares for school year start and parental leave rights Slovenian schools prepare for the September 1 start, while unions remind parents of their right to one day of paid leave to accompany first-grade students. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenia-prepares-for-school-year-start-and-parental-leave-rights ### 2026-08-25: Moldova and Romania announce major education and scholarship updates Moldova is preparing a 2027 education reform focusing on practical skills and Estonian-style math, while Romania's government moves to maintain social scholarships for students during holidays. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/educational-support-announced-for-students-in-romania-and-chernivtsi ### 2026-08-25: Romania school year preparations: rising costs and health advice Families in Romania prepare for the 2026 school year, facing costs between 1,200 and 3,000 lei per child for supplies and clothing, while experts advise on sleep routines and ergonomic health. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-school-supply-costs-and-trends-for-2026 ### 2026-08-23: Romania launches student support programs for school supplies and computers Romanian students are receiving support through the ‘First Backpack’ program in Maramureș and the ‘Euro 200’ voucher initiative for computer purchases. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-launches-student-support-programs-for-school-supplies-and-computers ### 2026-08-23: Romania school supply costs rise amid charity efforts for students Romanian families face rising school supply costs, with prices up 12% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the NEXT GEN DAY charity event in Pitești aims to collect supplies for disadvantaged children. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-school-supply-costs-rise-amid-charity-efforts-for-students ### 2026-08-22: Back-to-school season imposes financial and psychological strain on families Families worldwide face rising costs and psychological stress during the back-to-school season, with expenses for supplies and uniforms placing heavy burdens on household budgets. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbia-school-season-health-advice-and-rising-preparation-costs ### 2026-08-21: Romanian churches launch school supply drives for vulnerable children Churches in Arad and Botoșani, Romania, are collecting backpacks and school supplies to support vulnerable children for the upcoming academic year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-churches-launch-school-supply-drives-for-vulnerable-children ### 2026-08-20: School year preparations and student support measures across the Balkans Preparations for the new school year include hiring teaching assistants in Croatia, school renovations in Serbia, and financial aid for students in Montenegro, amid rising costs and seasonal health concerns. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/school-supply-and-textbook-costs-rise-ahead-of-new-academic-year ### 2026-08-19: School supply costs strain family budgets in Moldova and Romania Rising costs for school supplies and clothing are straining family budgets in Moldova and Romania, leading to increased price sensitivity and bulk purchasing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/school-supply-costs-strain-family-budgets-in-moldova-and-romania ### 2026-08-17: Academic year preparations drive school and housing costs Families in Romania and students in Moldova are preparing for the new academic year, facing costs for school supplies and university dormitory fees. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/academic-year-preparations-drive-school-and-housing-costs ### 2026-08-15: School year preparations: Parental rights and transition advice As the school year begins, Slovenian parents can claim paid leave to accompany first-graders, while Serbian educators advise parents to focus on child adaptation rather than academic pressure. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/school-year-preparations-parental-rights-and-transition-advice ### 2026-08-13: School year preparation: Routine adjustments and rising costs With the school year approaching, Romanian parents are managing the transition through routine adjustments and preparing for significant expenses in stationery and clothing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/school-year-preparation-routine-adjustments-and-rising-costs --- Cite as: Back-to-school preparations and support in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/back-to-school-preparations-in-europe