Forthcoming policy developments

Amendment to the Youth Work Support Act (Act No. 282/2008 Coll.)

A further amendment to the Youth Act is currently under legislative review, as part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the legal framework for youth work in Slovakia. The proposed changes aim to:

• Clarify definitions and responsibilities in youth work;
• Strengthen the legal status and support mechanisms for youth organizations and youth workers;
• Align national legislation with current European standards and practices.

Timeline: The amendment is expected to enter inter-ministerial consultation in late 2025, with potential adoption and entry into force on 1 January 2026.

Amendment to the Act on School Governance (Act No. 596/2003 Coll.)

This amendment is part of a broader legislative package aimed at modernizing school administration. While still under review, it is expected to:

• Strengthen student participation in school governance;
• Recognize and support school parliaments as formal structures for civic engagement.

Purpose: The reform aligns with national efforts to promote democratic education and youth civic engagement at the school level.

Ongoing Debates

NEET Youth (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)

There is growing concern about the persistently high number of NEETs, particularly among marginalized youth. Debates focus on:

• The need for targeted outreach and individualized support.
• Better coordination between education, employment, and social services.

EU Youth Test

At the end of July, more than 30 young leaders, experts, and institutional representatives gathered at the European Information Centre in Bratislava to discuss the incorporation of the EU Youth Test into Slovakia’s policymaking process. This tool, designed to assess the impact of legislation on young people, was the focus of the event, which was organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in collaboration with the European Parliament Office in Slovakia. The discussion built on the EESC's initiative from 2024, when the EU Youth Test became a formal component of its official opinions. Key topics included the challenges and opportunities related to the test’s implementation at the national level.

Youth from Ukraine

The integration of young refugees and displaced youth from Ukraine remains a major topic. Key issues include:

• Ensuring access to education.
• Providing language and psychological support.
• Promoting long-term inclusion in Slovak society.

Brain Drain

The emigration of young, educated Slovaks — especially from rural areas — is a growing concern. Discussions focus on:

• Creating attractive opportunities for youth within Slovakia.
• Supporting regional development, innovation hubs, and youth entrepreneurship.

Mental Health and Social Media Influence

The impact of social media on young people’s mental health is a prominent topic. Public discourse includes calls for:

• Enhanced psychological support in schools.
• Digital well-being and media literacy education.
• Regulation of harmful online content and misinformation.

Radicalization of Youth

Concerns about the radicalization of young people, including the rise of extremist ideologies and hate speech, have entered public and political debates. Discussions focus on:

• Strengthening early prevention and detection mechanisms in schools and communities;
• Promoting social inclusion and critical thinking skills to counter radical narratives;
• Enhancing cooperation between law enforcement, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to address root causes and provide support to vulnerable youth.