Resolution on the Restriction of Student Travel Rights in Romania through Emergency Ordinance no. 156/2024

In December 2024, the Romanian Government adopted Emergency Ordinance no. 156/2024, introducing drastic limitations to the previously guaranteed student travel benefits. The measure restricts the 90% discount on train travel to routes between a student’s place of residence and the locality of their university. In addition, the ordinance eliminates the free travel benefits for orphaned students and students from the child protection system – not through an explicit repeal of their rights, but due to the government’s failure to regulate their continued support or issue implementing norms.

These measures were taken without any public consultation or prior dialogue with student representatives, breaching the principles of participatory governance and transparency that are central to Romania’s commitments as part of the European Higher Education Area and the Bologna Process.

Beyond the immediate impact on hundreds of thousands of students in Romania, these changes threaten the accessibility, inclusiveness and equity of higher education. Affordable mobility is essential not only for attending university but also for engaging in academic, civic and professional opportunities across the country. Internships, cultural activities, volunteering and participation in national student events all require affordable and flexible travel – especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The implementation of the ordinance has also been discriminatory, as the remaining discount is only available to certain categories of students. International students, students with residence permits in cities other than their registered home address and those whose commute involves multiple railway operators or non-standard routes are often excluded from the benefit altogether. Such gaps result from the authorities’ inability to design inclusive criteria and operationalising mechanisms, leaving many students to bear the full cost of travel.

For orphaned students and those from foster care, this ordinance strips away a critical support mechanism. By withdrawing full transport coverage, the state imposes an unjust burden on young people who already face systemic inequality and reduced access to opportunities.

The restriction of student mobility and the overturn of previously granted rights are a regress that is incompatible with the values of inclusive education and social cohesion. While many European countries are expanding transport discounts and support mechanisms for students, Romania is taking a dangerous step backward.

The European Students’ Union stands in full solidarity with Romanian students and with ANOSR in their continued efforts to defend student rights and hold national authorities accountable.

Therefore, the European Students’ Union calls for:

• The Romanian Government to immediately reverse Article LXV of Emergency Ordinance no. 156/2024, restoring the national transport discount for students on all internal routes OR The Romanian Parliament to reject the ordinance’s implementation into law;
• The reinstatement of full free transport benefits for orphaned students and those from the child protection system;
• A transparent and inclusive decision-making process in higher education in Romania, ensuring that ANOSR is consulted before any reforms impacting students are proposed or adopted;
• Student unions and civil society across Europe to support Romanian students in this cause and amplify the message that mobility, access and student wellbeing must not be compromised;
  

Students in Romania deserve support, not setbacks. The European Students’ Union reaffirms that student mobility is a right, not a privilege.