Volunteering is an area that needs sustained support for its development in Slovak Republic. The period of socialism (1948 -1989) stopped the volunteer sector’s development and jeopardized its principles. After the revolution in 1989, the civil society and, in particular, the civil associations that were forbidden by the Communist regime again came to the fore. However, Volunteering has been lacking legislative framing. Since 2008, the term “youth volunteering“ was introduced in legislation as a result of incoming European Union Youth programs (in particular the European Voluntary Service). The Volunteering Act exists since 2011. The amendment to Act No. 406/2011 on Volunteering, which came into effect on April 1, 2023, introduces significant changes in the field of volunteering in Slovakia. These changes aim to comprehensively streamline the system and set clear conditions for volunteers and organizations. Another critical legislative pillar is the Youth Work Law, accessible here. This law supports structured youth engagement and development, complementing the volunteering framework.

The Volunteer Centers and Organizations Platform, brings together active non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders as a strong partner of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic – the most important public sectors influencing the development of Volunteering. 

The largest program supporting international youth volunteering is the European Solidarity Corps Program. Young people in Slovakia can get information on volunteering opportunities through the several portals provided mainly by volunteer centers. Volunteer Week and the regular awards to volunteers for their valuable work at all levels are also a tradition.