Romanian Path of the FREI Project

Описание: This video presents the Romanian path of the FREI Project (From Resistance to European Integration), focusing on Romania’s historical journey from totalitarianism to democracy and on the role of education, youth, and Roma communities in shaping democratic resilience today.

The presentation opens with a personal and historical reflection on life under the communist regime in Romania, including experiences of repression, isolation, censorship, and fear, as well as the lasting impact of authoritarian rule on individual and collective memory. Special attention is given to Timișoara, the first Romanian city declared free of communism on 20 December 1989, and its symbolic role in Romania’s democratic transition.

The Romanian team also introduces its cultural and educational network, bringing together academics, teachers, cultural advisors, civil society actors, and young people. Their work highlights culture, education, and intergenerational dialogue as key tools for democratic awareness and participation.

A central thematic focus of the contribution is the situation of Roma communities and Roma youth in Romania. The presentation addresses historical discrimination, social exclusion, and persistent inequalities, while also pointing to positive developments such as access to education, affirmative measures, mentorship programs, and the emergence of new role models within Roma communities. Education is framed both as a long-standing challenge and as the strongest hope for sustainable inclusion.

The second part of the video explores communist educational policies, examining education as a tool of ideological indoctrination, control, and forced conformity, while also highlighting everyday forms of resistance, double discourse, and informal channels of truth such as Radio Free Europe. Particular attention is paid to the paradox of formal inclusion versus real exclusion of Roma communities under socialism.

Together, these contributions reflect on how memory, education, culture, and youth engagement can help build pluralistic narratives, strengthen democratic consciousness, and support more inclusive futures in post-authoritarian societies.

This presentation is part of the FREI Project, which explores local paths from resistance to European integration across different European contexts.
More information on the project: https://www.foster-europe.org/projekt...
and in the project´s guide book: https://www.foster-europe.org/guide-b...