4.8 Current debates and reforms
Address
NIVAM - Národný inštitút vzdelávania a mládeže
NIVAM - National Institute of youth and education
Stromová 1
831 01 Bratislava
Tel: +421 2/482 094 11
E-Mail: neformalne@nivam.sk
Website
Currently, two main strategies are being adopted in Slovakia:
1. The Strategy fon Inclusive Access to Education
The Strategy on Inclusive Access to Education was approved by the Slovak Government in December 2021. The First Action Plan for 2022–2024 was adopted in June 2022, followed by the Second Action Plan for 2025–2027, approved in December 2024, which includes an evaluation of the first plan's implementation and continues to address six priority areas: quality education for all, inclusive leadership and culture, support systems, inclusive curricula and assessment, family and community engagement, and monitoring and evaluation.
Their main goal is to ensure equal access to quality education for all children, pupils, and students without distinction, respecting their uniqueness and specific needs. While the strategy defines the long-term vision and priorities (such as support measures, prevention of segregation, and destigmatization), the action plans translate this vision into practice. They define specific steps, tasks, responsibilities, and time frames for institutions. The entire system aims to create a safe and non-discriminatory environment in which each individual can reach their maximum educational potential.
2. The Strategy of Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of Roma until 2030 (of the Slovak Republic)
In July 2020, the Office of the Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Roma Communities initiated a Steering Working Group dedicated to preparing, revising, and updating the national strategy for Roma integration up to 2030. This participatory drafting process directly involved representatives from various ministries, central state administration bodies, self-governing regions, academia, and civil society. Subsequently, on April 7, 2021, the Government of the Slovak Republic adopted the Strategy of Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma until 2030 (hereinafter referred to as the "Strategy") through Resolution No. 181/2021.
The Strategy serves as a comprehensive framework of baselines and objectives designed to eliminate the segregation of Roma communities, achieve a significant positive turnaround in their social inclusion, and actively prevent discrimination. Furthermore, it seeks to foster better coexistence between the Roma minority and the majority population while shifting negative public attitudes within Slovak society. Acknowledging that the majority of the Roma population in the country continues to face multiple disadvantages, the document distinctly targets both marginalized Roma communities and Roma individuals who do not live in marginalized settings but still experience structural inequalities.
As a long-term, dynamic strategic document, it remains open to updates, additions, and revisions based on ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes. Thematically, the Strategy is anchored in five priority areas: education, housing, employment, health, and combating anti-Roma racism while promoting participation. To effectively implement these priorities, the defined global and sub-objectives have been operationalized into concrete Action Plans. Most recently, the updated Action Plans for the 2025–2027 period have been formulated. These plans translate strategic goals into specific measures and activities, complete with a realistic quantification of financial requirements and the identification of suitable funding resources. In alignment with the Strategy’s monitoring cycle, these Action Plans are continuously evaluated and regularly updated to ensure sustainable progress.