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1. Governance

2. Cross-sectoral cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation

Youth social inclusion in Estonia spans several policy areas, with responsibilities divided between different ministries and between local and central levels.

The two most relevant policy areas – the youth field and social protection – fall under the Ministry of Education and Research (youth field)), specifically the Youth and Talent Department and the Ministry of Social Affairs (child protection), specifically the Department of Children and Families. Both fields follow a similar division of tasks: local governments are generally responsible for service provision, while the central level handles policy, legislation and state budgeting.

A mechanism is in place to ensure harmonised policy-making and implementation, including in the area of youth social inclusion. The Government and the Government Office hold the central position in this mechanism: approving proposals to develop or amend policy documents, monitoring implementation through action plans and reports, and initiating cooperation where needed. The Ministry of Finance also plays a coordinating role in planning, monitoring and allocating resources across policy fields, including the state budget.

Governance

Other governmental authorities and their responsibilities under the Government of the Republic Act relevant to social inclusion:

• the Ministry of Education and Research: youth policy and education policy;
• the Ministry of Social Affairs: child and family policy, labour market, social protection, gender equality, and equal treatment policies;
• the Ministry of Culture: integration policy;
• the Ministry of Interior: crime prevention;
• the Ministry of Justice: the justice system;
• the Ministry of Finance: development of local governments, planning, and coordination of regional development;
• the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications: developing E-governance and e-services.

Main public actors and foundations in policy fields relevant to social inclusion:

• Chancellor of Justice – an independent institution responsible for ensuring children’s rights are protected;
• Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner – an independent office responsible for the protection of equal rights;
• Social Insurance Board – an agency of the Ministry of Social Affairs, responsible for social insurance benefits and child protection services;
• Töötukassa (Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund) – a public legal entity under the Ministry of Social Affairs, responsible for labour market services;
• Education and Youth Board – a governmental institution responsible for implementing education and youth policy;
• Integration Foundation – an independent body established by the government under the Ministry of Culture, responsible for supporting the integration of national minorities in Estonia.
• The National Institute for Health Development – a governmental institution under the Ministry of Social Affairs responsible for health promotion.

The main non-public actors:

• the Eesti Noorsootöötajate Kogu (Association of Estonian Youth Workers) 
• the Estonian National Youth Council 

The overarching approaches and principles on social inclusion and welfare are set out in the document Welfare Development Plan 2016-2023 (Heaolu arengukava 2016-2023), which is grounded in the principles of a social welfare state, the framework of fundamental and social rights, and social protection principles (See more detailed description in chapter 4.1.).