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1. Governance

2. Cros-sectorial cooperation

Governance

Main Actors in Policymaking

The governance of youth employment and entrepreneurship in Slovakia involves multiple actors at different levels. The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, and Family (MLSAF) is the primary governmental body responsible for shaping employment policies, including youth employment programs and entrepreneurship support. This ministry works in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth, which plays a key role in aligning education and vocational training with labour market needs. 

Additionally, agencies such as the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs, and Family (UPSVAR) oversee the implementation of employment services, job placement programs, and active labour market policie. Social partners, including trade unions, employers' associations, and NGOs, contribute to policy development by advocating for workers' rights and youth employment opportunities. Private sector involvement is also critical, particularly through business incubators and innovation hubs that support young entrepreneurs.

Distribution of Responsibilities

Slovakia follows a decentralized approach in employment and entrepreneurship governance. While the national government sets overarching policies and regulations, regional and local authorities play a significant role in implementation. Regional labour offices, operating under UPSVAR, manage job placement, vocational training, and youth employment support programs tailored to local economic conditions. Local municipalities collaborate with educational institutions and businesses to promote entrepreneurship through regional development programs and startup initiatives. 

Despite these efforts, Slovakia's decentralization has limitations. Fiscal decentralization remains constrained, as regional governments are heavily dependent on financial transfers from the central government. This dependency limits their financial autonomy and decision-making capacity, which can hinder the full realization of decentralized governance benefits

Cros-sectorial cooperation

Effective policy coordination between ministries and agencies is essential for addressing youth employment challenges. Slovakia has established several inter-ministerial working groups that bring together representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Economy to develop integrated strategies. The Ministry of Economy in Slovakia collaborates with MILSAF to promote job creation, support vulnerable groups, and align economic policies with labor market needs. The Ministry of Finance in Slovakia collaborates with the Ministry of Labour to align fiscal policies with social programs, ensure funding for employment initiatives, and support financial stability in labor market policies.

One example of cross-sectoral cooperation is the Youth Guarantee Program, which involves joint efforts by government agencies, employers, and education providers to ensure that young people receive job offers, apprenticeships, or further education opportunities within four months of leaving formal education. Additionally, EU-funded projects, such as the Operational Programme Human Resources, enhance collaboration between different sectors by financing youth employment initiatives.

Public-private partnerships are also an essential mechanism for fostering youth entrepreneurship. Organizations like Junior Achievement Slovakia and business accelerators work with the government to provide mentorship, funding, and training programs for young entrepreneurs.