Special feature

The federal ‘Belgian’ level has limited competence in youth matters. Voluntary work (more specific the legal status of volunteers) is a competence that is regulated at the federal level. It is further promoted on the Flemish level, grants of the Flemish Community are allocated to a number of (semi)public and private organisations that support voluntary activities of young people. The chapter on voluntary activities illustrates measures on Flemish, federal and local level.

Highlights

Since 2016, the Flemish Minister of Youth focuses on an adequate support for (young) volunteers and voluntary work. Since November 2016, there is a Flemish coordinated policy plan on volunteering. This plan had three objectives: a better legislative framework and status, better information and support and fewer rules.