Romania - July 2025

In July, the Constitutional Court upheld the constitutionality of proposed amendments to Emergency Ordinance No. 31/2002 strengthening measures against hate speech. The legislation, adopted by Parliament on 11 June, criminalises the distribution of materials (including images, videos, books and text messages) deemed to have a fascist, racist or xenophobic character, or that deny genocide or war crimes, with penalties of up to five years in prison. Previously, the legislation focused solely on the prohibition of certain symbols and organizations. Additionally, the scope of the legislation is expanded to refer specifically to the 1927-1941 legionary movement which briefly entered government during Ion Antonescu's dictatorship. The Constitutional Court dismissed challenges by opposition MPs and President Nicoșur Dan citing risks to freedom of expression during a preliminary review of the constitutionality of the bill. The rulings are legally binding and clear the way for the legislation’s promulgation. 

Sources: Romania Insider, Biziday (1), Biziday (2), Romanian Senate, CCR, Balkan Insight