University courses in Romania have been successfully implemented on various dates in 2023: May 17 in Sinaia, July 5 in Roșieri de Vede, August 4 in Bucharest, and August 21. The purpose of these training sessions was to raise awareness among participants about the impact of disinformation on democracy and equip them with the skills needed to critically analyze online content and combat fake news. The training included five informative and interactive sessions, including discussions, group activities, and insights from young professionals in the media field.

A total of 151 participants took part in these training sessions, with Teo largely coordinating them. Teo had previously participated in capacity development training in Berlin and Porto and used the knowledge and skills gained in those sessions to facilitate these trainings.

These trainings also played a significant role in conducting a comprehensive needs assessment and evaluating the current situation in Romania. The report primarily focuses on the requirements of different target groups regarding media literacy education and their preparedness to address the threat of disinformation. This assessment involved conducting an online survey among these target groups, interviews with stakeholders, and extensive research into best practices.

The needs assessments highlight important findings about young people in Romania and fake news:

• Many are concerned about fake news but lack the skills to identify or effectively combat them.
• Few have received formal media literacy training.
• Social media is their main source of news, exposing them to a higher risk of fake news influence.
• They desire reliable information sources and transparency from the media.
• Solutions include improved media literacy education and media regulation.
• Recommendations: Integration of media literacy into school programs, teacher training, and support for media professionals.
• Promoting critical thinking and fact-checking through public campaigns to help combat fake news.

Additionally, as part of the international project, similar training sessions are being conducted for young people in Sofia and Zagreb.

To learn more about the project, please visit our website: https://www.themayor.eu/en/read-twice.