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, civil society, and in particular the civil associations forbidden by the Communist regime again came to the fore. However, volunteering has been lacking legislative framing. Since 2008, the term “youth volunteering“ has been introduced in legislation as a result of incoming European Union Youth programs (in particular the European Voluntary Service). The Act on Volunteering has been in effect since 2011. The amendment to Act No. 406/2011 on Volunteering, which came into effect on April 1st, 2023, introduces significant changes to volunteering in Slovakia. These changes aim to comprehensively streamline the system and set clear conditions for volunteers and organisations. Another critical legislative pillar is the Youth Work Law, accessible here. This law supports structured youth engagement and development, complementing the volunteering framework.

The Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organisations (PDCO), brings together active non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders in volunteering 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 institutions 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 several portals provided mainly by volunteer centers and the national volunteering database. Volunteer Week and the regular awards Heart on Palm, for their valuable work at all levels, are also traditions.