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4 clusters · 22 sources · 21 days · First seen · Last updated

Greek school excursion regulation controversy

Overview

The Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, led by Minister Sofia Zacharaki, has introduced a new framework for school excursions for primary and secondary students. The regulations mandate a minimum of six excursions per class per school year to promote experiential learning and implement stricter safety protocols, including criminal record checks for travel agency staff and guidelines for teacher chaperones. The framework also addresses student privacy regarding mobile phone use and reduces the minimum participation rate for special schools from 70% to 50%. Opposition to the framework has intensified. The Panhellenic Scientific Association of Primary School Directors called for the immediate withdrawal of Article 22, arguing that the rules impose “disproportionate bureaucratic burdens” on public schools. Specifically, they cited requirements for posting formal calls for interest on school websites before bidding for non-overnight trips, which they claim are nearly impossible to fulfill in schools lacking administrative staff. Directors also objected to Article 13, contending that teachers lack the technical expertise to verify building licenses and safety standards at organized venues. Teacher unions, including ELME Corfu and OIELÉ, have joined the criticism, warning that the regulations impose excessive legal and disciplinary responsibilities on educators. Concerns include the need to form three-member committees, submit detailed evaluation reports, and adhere to strict approval deadlines. OIELÉ further warned that the rules could increase financial burdens on families and widen educational inequalities. The unions are calling for a specialized dialogue to reform the framework, suggesting that multi-day trips be made optional and that teachers be compensated for work performed outside teaching hours. In response to the ongoing dispute, MP Spyridon Tsironis has formally submitted the concerns of the Panhellenic Scientific Association of Primary Education School Directors to the Minister of Education.

Entities

Ministry of Education · Sofia Zacharaki · Greece · Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports · ELME Corfu

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Greek school directors protest new excursion safety regulations

    Greek school directors are protesting a new Ministry of Education decision that requires teachers to verify the technical and safety suitability of venues used for school excursions.

  2. 9 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greek teacher unions protest new school excursion regulations

    Greek teacher unions are protesting new Ministry of Education regulations for school excursions, citing excessive bureaucracy, increased legal liability for teachers, and potential financial burdens on families

  3. 20 days ago

    [POLITICS] 9 sources
    Greek school directors demand withdrawal of new excursion regulations

    Greek primary school directors are demanding the withdrawal of new ministerial regulations on student excursions, citing excessive bureaucracy and impractical requirements for educators.

  4. 25 days ago

    [POLITICS] 11 sources
    Greece Ministry of Education introduces new school excursion framework

    Greece's Ministry of Education has introduced new rules for school excursions, mandating at least six trips per year for primary students and implementing stricter safety and mobile phone regulations.

Sources

agrinionews.gr · alfavita.gr · anatolh.com · athina984.gr · corfutvnews.gr · dnews.gr · e-typos.com · epiruspost.gr · especial.gr · ethnos.gr · fortunegreece.com · gargalianoionline.gr · ifarsala.gr · ipaidia.gr · newmoney.gr · newsit.gr · patrapress.gr · pliroforiodotis.gr · tanea.gr · veriotis.gr · www2.iefimerida.gr · zougla.gr

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history