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1. Existence of a National Strategy on social inclusion

2. Scope and contents

3. Responsible authority

4. Revisions/ Updates

Existence of a National Strategy on social inclusion

Austria does not have a single, comprehensive strategy dedicated exclusively to the social inclusion of young people. Instead, the country pursues social inclusion through its National Youth Strategy (Österreichische Jugendstrategie), which outlines broad areas of action, such as education and employment, participation and engagement, quality of life, and media and information, and establishes youth-specific goals that address key aspects of inclusion. Coordinated by the Federal Chancellery, this strategy aims to bring together, systematise and optimise measures for young people, with all federal ministries involved in developing and implementing relevant objectives. The approach is participatory, involving young people directly through consultations and 'Reality Checks', as well as seeking input from youth research and representative bodies (see Chapter 1.3). 

Beyond the Youth Strategy, Austria’s cross-sectoral approach is reflected in targeted national strategies and action plans in areas such as education, disability, integration, social security, welfare and diversity. Each of these includes measures relevant to the needs and realities of young people (see below Scope and contents). The Competence Centre for Youth provides an overview of these plans (Nationale Aktionspläne und Strategien), demonstrating how youth-related considerations are integrated across policy areas and highlighting Austria’s commitment to social inclusion through coordinated, sector-specific efforts rather than a single, unified strategy.

Scope and contents

Social Inclusion in the National Youth Strategy

Austria’s approach to the social inclusion of young people is anchored in its National Youth Strategy, which defines targeted goals across several key areas of action (see Chapter 1.3). These measures are designed to ensure that all young people aged 14 to 24—and, as an expanded target group, those up to 30—can participate fully in society, regardless of their background. Particular attention is given to young people who are disadvantaged or facing specific challenges in their development and participation, including: young people with a migration background, or from families who have experienced flight; socially and economically disadvantaged young people; Young people with disabilities or chronic illnesses; Young women and girls, particularly with regard to equality and access to STEM professions; LGBTIQ+ young people; Young people in rural areas who are confronted with limited educational and leisure opportunities; Unemployed young people or those experiencing difficulties transitioning from school to work.

In the area of ‘Employment and Learning’, the focus in on enabling every young person to access to further education and training beyond compulsory schooling, acquire essential basic skills and successfully transition into the labour market (goal of full employment among 15 to 24 year-olds). This includes providing tailored support with regard to career choices, vocational training, financial literacy, and increasing opportunities in technical, scientific, and environmental fields, with a particular focus on engaging young women and disadvantaged groups. 

The ‘Participation and Initiative’ field aims to empower young people to play an active role in democracy and community life by reducing barriers to participation, increasing access to support measures and promoting involvement in civic education, workplace co-determination, science, research and sports policy. Volunteering is recognised as valuable experience, and young people’s engagement is harnessed to advance societal goals such as climate action.

The ‘Quality of Life and Spirit of Cooperation’ field seeks to provide young people with the resources and opportunities needed for independent living. This includes creating public spaces for young people, supporting their integration — especially for young women — and promoting psychosocial health and life skills. Schools are positioned as safe and supportive environments.

The ‘Media and Information’ field aims to equip young people with the digital and media literacy skills needed to navigate and confidently participate in the digital world. This involves providing accessible, youth-oriented information, developing digital competence in the classroom and encouraging the responsible use of digital media. 

Poverty and Social Exclusion

Austria’s National Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee (2023) (Nationaler Aktionsplan Österreichs zur Umsetzung der Europäischen Garantie für Kinder) is a key part of the country’s strategy to promote the social inclusion of young people, especially those at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The plan commits Austria to ensuring that all children and young people in need, up to the age of 18, have free and effective access to six essential services by 2030: early childhood care and education; inclusive educational opportunities and school-related activities; at least one healthy meal per school day; healthcare, healthy nutrition; and adequate housing. 

The plan was developed collaboratively by key ministries and regional governments and is coordinated nationally by the Ministry of Social Affairs, with input from the Ministries of Education and Department for Family and Youth. The plan is grounded in principles such as listening to children’s voices, treating all children equally, promoting children’s rights, supporting low-income families and ensuring access to affordable leisure activities. The plan incorporates regular monitoring and progress reporting to the European Commission, with annual interim reports and a robust data framework tracking access to the six guaranteed services and the situation of vulnerable children. 

Significant funding from federal, regional and EU sources supports the expansion of childcare, education and family assistance, as well as new programmes to enable disadvantaged children to participate in sports and cultural activities. 

Education

Developed in 2012/2016 by several federal ministries and social partners, the National Strategy on the Prevention of Early Leaving from Education and Training (Nationale Strategie zur Verhinderung frühzeitigen (Aus-)Bildungsabbruchs) forms a key part of the Austrian Youth Strategy and the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan. The strategy focuses on prevention, intervention and remedial measures to help young people successfully complete their education.

The 2011 Lifelong Learning Strategy (Strategie zum lebensbegleitendend Lernen), created with broad stakeholder involvement, aims to significantly reduce early school leaving in line with EU 2020 goals. It emphasises prevention and targeted interventions tailored to specific at-risk groups. Based on these strategies, in 2016 Austria introduced the Education until 18 policy (Ausbildung bis 18), which requires young people to remain in education or training until the age of 18. The policy aims to improve labour market outcomes, particularly for migrants, prevent early school leaving and raise the overall educational level by closing gaps and providing accessible, low-threshold support for all young people. 

To support those who may struggle within the traditional education system, the ‘Fit for Training’ (AusbildungsFit) programme offers a one-year course for young people aged 15 to 21, or up to 24 for those with special educational needs. The programme provides participants with the basic qualifications and specialist knowledge necessary for further education or apprenticeship training. 

In recognition of the challenges faced by NEET (not in education, employment or training) youth, Austria has developed targeted support measures, such as youth coaching (Jugendcoaching) and (re)integration programmes, to provide guidance and assistance during the critical transition from school to work. These programmes acknowledge the diversity within the NEET group and therefore adopt an individualised approach to meet a wide range of needs. Young people receive holistic support through one-stop shop solutions, where they can access comprehensive advice on education, training, and employment opportunities. Building strong, long-term relationships with qualified support personnel is considered essential for the success of these interventions. 

For those who have been disconnected from education and the labour market for extended periods, and who may distrust traditional institutions, youth and social workers actively engage with them. Alternative learning pathways combining practical activities with education are also prompted as an attractive option for keeping or bringing these young people back into education or training systems. 

Disability

In 2008, Austria ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN Behindertenrechtskonvention), thereby committing to equal rights and participation for people with disabilities, including young people. In response, the country adopted the National Action Plan on Disability 2012 – 2020 (Nationaler Aktionsplan Behinderung), which was developed through a participatory process involving ministries, civil society and disability organisations. The plan introduced legal and policy reforms including the Federal Constitutional Act on the Rights of Children, as well as strategies for child health and rehabilitation. 

The follow-up plan, the National Action Plan on Disability 2022 – 2030 (NAP Behinderung II), builds on this foundation and places particular focus on young people with disabilities. It sets out targeted measures to promote inclusive education, prevent school dropouts, and support the transition to employment through vocational training, inclusive workplaces, and personalised assistance. The plan also prioritises accessible infrastructure, personal support services, and social inclusion, with the aim of removing barriers and ensuring equal participation in all areas of life. 

Integration

Adopted by the Austrian Federal Government in January 2010, the National Action Plan for Integration (NAP.I) serves as the foundation for Austria’s integration policy. It sets out coordinated measures and timelines across several ministries, focusing on key areas such as language and education, work and employment, the rule of law and values, health and social issues, intercultural dialogue, sport and recreation, and housing. The plan aims to integrate people entitled to asylum or subsidiary protection quickly, enabling them to become self-sufficient as soon as possible. Central to this approach are acquiring German language skills, swiftly entering the labour market, and communicating Austrian values. Particular attention is given to the needs of young people from migrant backgrounds, with targeted measures designed to enhance language proficiency, provide educational and career guidance, and facilitate their integration into vocational training and the job market. The NAP also includes initiatives such as value courses, multilingual educational materials and workshops on conflict management and anti-bullying. These are all designed to foster inclusion and mutual respect within Austrian society. 

The National Strategy Against Antisemitsm, 2021 (Nationale Strategie gegen Antisemitismus) engages with young people through a variety of coordinated initiatives. The strategy aims to improve outreach to young people by fostering cooperation among relevant stakeholders, supporting dialogue projects that bring young people from different backgrounds together, and promoting youth initiatives in the field of integration. These projects focus on raising awareness of radicalisation, propaganda, and antisemitsm, as well as emphasising the importance of peaceful dialogue between cultures and religions. The strategy also emphasises the importance of youth work, advisory services and activities that raise awareness among young people, as well as youth-friendly approaches to teaching contemporary history and promoting democratic values. 

Moreover, Austria’s National Action Plan for the Prevention of Extremism and Deradicalization (2024) (Österreichischer Aktionsplan Extremismusprävention und Deradikalisierung) has a particular focus on young people, with the aim of preventing radicalisation and raising awareness among children and adolescents. It features a variety of measures targeting young people, including strengthening political education, promoting democratic values and improving media literacy, to help them critically assess information and resist extremist narratives. 

The plan also supports youth work and social integration initiatives, provides psychological support and implements targeted actions to prevent radicalisation in sporting environments. Furthermore, the plan offers training and continuing professional development opportunities for those working with young people. Through a combination of education, prevention and support, the strategy aims to empower young people, build their resilience against extremist influences and encourage their active and inclusive participation in society. 

Social Security Reform and Youth Welfare

The social inclusion of young people in Austria is also built on a comprehensive social security system and robust youth welfare services that, together, provide protection, support and opportunities for youth development.   

Austria’s social security system offers young people comprehensive protection against major life risks such as illness, accidents, disability and unemployment. Based on statutory social insurance, this system covers health, accident and pension insurance. All employees and many self-employed individuals are legally required to contribute, with employers handling registration and payroll deductions for young workers. Young people are automatically insured when they start work, and children or adolescents may also be covered as dependants in certain situations.

In addition to social insurance, a means-tested minimum income system helps ensure that those whose income or benefits are insufficient have a basic level of financial security. This system replaced traditional social assistance and sets national minimum standards, while allowing regional governments (Länder) flexibility in their application. Key reforms, including the Social Insurance Organisation Act in 2019, have streamlined and consolidated social insurance institutions, improving efficiency and accessibility for all, including young people. Benefits for children and young people (Familienbeihilfe) are available until the age of 19, or up to the age of 24 (sometimes 25) for those in education,  training, or with disabilities. 

Moreover, the Youth Welfare Services in Austria are a cornerstone for promoting the social inclusion of young people. These services provided by public authorities and recognised private organisations, aim to protect children and young people, support their personal development and encourage their active participation in society by safeguarding them from violence and supporting families in their educational role. 

Since 2020, responsibility for child and youth welfare has rested with the federal states, which provide targeted assistance via local youth welfare offices. In 2020 alone, almost 38,500 children and young people received educational support, while over 12,600 were cared for in residential settings, such as with foster families or in socio-pedagogical institutions. Additionally, over 3,500 young adults aged 18 to 21 received ambulant or residential support to help them transition to independent living. The system also conducted over 36,700 risk assessments to ensure child safety, provided almost 60,000 educational aids and offered legal representation to over 71,000 children and young people.

Responsible authority

As the social inclusion of young people is addressed through various strategies and action plans that span multiple policy areas (see above), the issue is inherently cross-sectoral. Implementation and coordination are the responsibility of several top-level authorities rather than just one.

The Federal Chancellery is primarily responsible for coordinating the Austrian Youth Strategy, ensuring coherence across all sectors, and overseeing the overall strategic process (see Chapter 1.3).

Each federal ministry is responsible for setting and implementing youth-relevant goals within its area of expertise, such as education (Ministry of Education), social welfare and disability (Ministry of Social Affairs), finance (Ministry of Finance) and integration (Federal Chancellery). This decentralised yet coordinated structure enables targeted action, but requires strong interministerial cooperation to align efforts and avoid duplication.

Monitoring and ongoing development are supported through evaluation and participatory formats, including regular feedback from young people (e.g. via Reality Checks), to ensure that the strategies remain relevant and effective.

Revisions/Updates

The Austrian Youth Strategy is continuously revised, with major revisions taking place at least once per legislative period. Updates on this process can be found on the website of the Federal Chancellery under Documentation of the Youth Strategy (Dokumentation der Jugendstrategie) (see also Chapter 1.3). In addition, national action plans and strategies (Nationale Aktionspläne und Strategien Jugendpolitik) in Austria that are relevant to youth policy are regularly monitored and documented by the Youth Competence Centre. These plans and strategies are continuously updated and revised to ensure they remain current and responsive to the needs of young people. This includes, among others: 

• The National Strategy on the Prevention of Early Leaving from Education and Training (Nationale Strategie zur Verhinderung frühzeitigen (Aus-)Bildungsabbruchs), adopted in 2012, has been revised in 2016. Furthermore, in 2016 the measure 'Education until 18' has been adopted.
• The NAP Disability 2012-2020 (Nationaler Aktionsplan Behinderung) expired in 2020. The implementation of the NAP was continuously assessed by a monitoring group, which showed that by 2015 more than half of the 250 measures had already been implemented. The NAP on Disability is to be scientifically evaluated and continued, after its renewal in a broad participatory process, for the period from 2021 to 2030. In this way, Austria aims to consolidate the human rights for persons with disabilities guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• For the National Action Plan for Integration (Nationaler Aktionsplan Integration, NAP), optimisation proposals have been continuously made across the entire cross-sectional area since its adoption in 2010.