Although more and more young people participate in voluntary activities and the regulation of volunteering within youth work remains an important issue, an overarching structural reform is not yet envisaged.

Main focus points in youth volunteering

According to the Department for Young People of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation information in 2023, one focus points of the government is to develop and strengthen the motivation, appreciation and recognition of voluntary work, especially among young people. The government would like to raise the prestige of volunteering and increase the awareness in society that it is not 'free work', but a socially constructive phenomenon that strengthens cooperation between generations and different social groups, and contributes to the functioning of the economy.

The Ministry will endeavour to develop initiatives that can increase the motivation of individuals to participate in such activities of their own free will. In the case of young people, raising awareness of these elements is particularly important. The most extensive base for volunteering is the 40-49 year olds, who could also be their parents. At a young age, the role model is no longer parents but peers.

Another focus point of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation is to investigate how the benefits of volunteering can be utilised and thus involve individuals in more and more voluntary activities. It is also essential for the Ministry to harness the community-building power of volunteering through initiatives that help make new friends, create a supportive atmosphere and instil shared values. This expands volunteers' social networks, broadens their worldview, strengthens their empathy and improves their mental health.

Forthcoming policy developments

The University Volunteer Point, or 'KÖZÖS.', was launched in September 2024 on the initiative of the Deputy State Secretariat for Young People of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, with the cooperation of the National Youth Council (Nemzeti Ifjúsági Tanács). The first volunteer point (office) was opened at the János Neumann University of Kecskemét. (Megnyílt az első KÖZÖS. iroda Kecskeméten!) The programme aims to build university communities where volunteering and solidarity can become an experience available to all students. 

Within the framework of the programme, further volunteer points were launched in 2024 in four other higher education institutions, where students work with a leader and mentors to plan and coordinate volunteering programmes. 'KÖZÖS.' offers students practical tools and opportunities for volunteering. The objectives include promoting volunteering and social responsibility, as well as young people's personal and professional development, enhancing their labour market benefits, strengthening social contacts and supporting local NGOs. Volunteering is also worth credits. In exchange for volunteering, students can earn two credits that contributes to the credits needed for obtaining the diploma.

Ongoing debates

The revision of the National Volunteer Strategy 2012-2020 (Nemzeti Önkéntes Stratégia 2012-2020) started in Summer of 2019. According to the Department for Young People of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation information, the evaluation report was completed in 2021. However, following the government reshuffle after the Spring 2022 general elections, a policy review was necessary to align the strategy with sectoral changes and concerns.

As of 2025, the new National Volunteer Strategy will be published. It will focus on enhancing the quality and operational conditions of volunteering programmes and promoting volunteerism. The overarching goal is to foster a society based on inclusion, active community participation, and personal responsibility through volunteering.