Overview

The highest authorities responsible for developing inclusive policies for young people are the Ministry of Youth and Children (Ministerio de Juventud e Infancia), established in 2023, alongside the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda (Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030) and the Inter-Ministerial Youth Commission (coordinated by the Youth Institute (INJUVE)). 

These entities collaborate closely with the Youth Institute (INJUVE). NGOs also play a role in shaping social inclusion policies through the participate through the State Council of Social Action for Non- Governmental Organizations (Consejo Estatal de Organizaciones no Gubernamentales de Acción Social).

There is currently no dedicated legislation or regulation at state level for social inclusion in Spain, particularly for youth. However, various legal provisions guarantee inclusive rights, including:

• the Spanish Constitution (Constitución Española), which guarantees the rights to decent employment and housing (Article 35 and 47), and universal access to healthcare (Article 43).
• The Youth Strategy 2022-2030 emphasizes empowering young people, supporting their personal development, and facilitating their transition to autonomy. It addresses areas such as education, employment, health, and participation in democratic life.​
• The 2024-2030 National Strategy for the Prevention and Fight Against Poverty and Social Exclusion (Estrategia Nacional de Prevención y Lucha Contra la Pobreza y Exclusión Socia 2024-2030)  serves as the primary reference framework for social inclusion policies in Spain. Although this strategy is not exclusively targeted at youth, it includes specific measures addressing youth employment, education, housing, health and social participation. Approved in December 2024, this updated strategy, outlines key policy measures focused on:
• Ensuring access to basic resources for vulnerable populations, including employment and housing.
• Investing in education and employment to improve opportunities for at-risk groups.
• Strengthening the welfare system to provide adequate social protections.
• Improving governance and coordination across public and private stakeholders.

However, Spain is in the process of developing its first Youth Law, which aims to establish a legal framework that strengthens young people's rights and guarantees their active participation in political, social, economic, and cultural life. Announced in January 2024, this law is being drafted through a participatory process involving youth organizations and stakeholders. It seeks to address key areas such as youth employment, housing, education, and civic engagement while reinforcing institutional support for youth policies. 

Once enacted, the Youth Law is expected to provide a more structured and rights-based approach to youth inclusion and empowerment in Spain.