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1. Mechanisms and actors

Mechanisms and actors

Slovakia applies a cross-sectoral approach to youth policy-making, primarily through formalized structures and strategic coordination mechanisms at the national level. This approach is embedded in the Strategy of the Slovak Republic for Youth 2021–2028, which emphasizes the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation to address the complex and interconnected needs of young people.

1. Inter-ministerial Working Group for State Policy in the Field of Youth

The Working Group participates in ensuring the fulfillment of the objectives of the Strategy of the Slovak Republic for Youth for 2021-2028 (hereinafter referred to as the "Strategy") through specific measures and purpose-built projects. The Working Group informs the Minister of Education, Research, Development and Youth about the status of the implementation of individual milestones of the strategy.The official documents, including the list of members, statutes, and ministerial orders related to the Working Group, are available on the website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.

The working group meets several times per year, with additional meetings convened as needed during the preparation of strategic documents. It may form thematic sub-groups based on specific topics and areas of expertise.

Responsibilities of the Working Group include:

• Consulting, proposing, and evaluating objectives and measures related to national youth policy.
• Supporting the effective and comprehensive preparation of measures for implementing the national youth strategy.
• Assessing and commenting on measures that require coordination across multiple institutions.
• Submitting proposals for the implementation of strategic objectives.
• Facilitating the exchange of information on the implementation of youth policy measures across sectors.

2. Committee for Children and Youth

This committee is coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family and operates under the Government Council for Human Rights, National Minorities and Gender Equality.

• It brings together representatives from ministries, regional and local governments, and non-governmental organizations.
• The committee serves as the primary mechanism for implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols at the national level.
• It ensures targeted and coordinated actions in the field of children’s and youth rights.

3. Záruka pre mladých (Youth Guarantee)

A concrete example of cross-sectoral youth policy implementation is the national programme Záruka pre mladých (Youth Guarantee), coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. This initiative, aligned with the EU Youth Guarantee framework, targets young people under 30 who are unemployed or not in education or training (NEET). It ensures that they receive a quality offer of employment, education, apprenticeship, or traineeship within four months of leaving formal education or becoming unemployed.

The programme is embedded in the National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic and contributes directly to the goals of the Slovak Youth Strategy 2021–2028, particularly in the areas of employment, social inclusion, and transition to adulthood. It demonstrates how youth policy objectives are implemented through labour market instruments and supported by EU funding (e.g. ESF+), while maintaining a youth-centred approach through early intervention, individualised support, and interinstitutional cooperation.