The objective of the Youth Work Strategy 2006-2013 was to develop and implement coordinated and purposeful actions following the actual needs and challenges of young people in different spheres of life, i.e., the integrated youth policy.
In order to implement integrated youth policy, all ministries are under the obligation to consider the youth policy principles in their areas of responsibility when developing measures and making decisions that affect young people.
Youth Sector Development Plan for 2021—2035
On 1 January 2021, Estonia had 273 627 young people between the age of 7–26, which forms 20,6% of the Estonian population. As in many other European countries, the proportion of young people among population is decreasing. According to the forecast of Statistics Estonia, the proportion of youth among total population would continue to decrease until 2022 when it will gradually start to increase again. The growth trend prevails until 2039 and then the share of young people among the total population will start decreasing again.
Implementation and cost of the development plan
The development plan will be implemented through the implementation plan (Education and Youth Programme). In addition to the Ministry of Education and Research, other ministries and institutions, youth sector organisations, local authorities and county governments will take part in the implementation of the development plan in terms of their area of responsibility in the activities set out in the implementation plan. The Education and Youth Board plays a crucial role in the implementation of the development plan within the area of administration of the Ministry of Education and Research.
The total cost of the development plan is EUR 356.29 million.
International cooperation
The youth policy of the European Union as well as of the Council of Europe also have a significant role in devising and implementing youth policy in Estonia.
Estonia has bilateral cooperation agreements on youth affairs with the Flemish Community in Belgium and with Finland. Both agreements are primarily targeted at exchange of experience between youth workers and youth work organisations. In addition to Estonia, the Latvian and Lithuanian partners of youth affairs also participate in the cooperation with the Flemish Region.. Possibilities for cooperation between parties to youth affairs have also been highlighted in several international cooperation agreements of the area of education. For more information, see the webpage of international agreements.
Last updated: 21.10.2022