This is another victory for the European Parliament and Renew Europe. The European Solidarity Corps will finally be able to take off following today's agreement. With a planned budget of more than €1 billion for the period 2021-2027, around 350,000 young Europeans will be able to take part in voluntary missions in Europe and in third countries. This volunteering will take place in the social field where the stakes are particularly high, helping vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, asylum seekers or in actions related to climate change and health crises. The social dimension of the programme has been particularly defended by Renew Europe, which has notably obtained that the European Solidarity Corps is also open to young people in need of special support.
Humanitarian aid in third countries is also included in the eligible actions.
Finally, the European Parliament has obtained to be more closely involved in the implementation of this programme.
MEP Irena Joveva (Lista Marjana Šarca, Slovenia), member of the Culture Committee, said:
« I’m very happy we managed to get an ambitious agreement for the upcoming European Solidarity Corps. The program will be more accessible, more inclusive and I hope that numerous young people of various backgrounds will take part in solidarity based activities throughout Europe! This year was tough on all of us and we need to come together and help each other. And, solidarity activities and volunteering are one of the ways to do so. »
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Background information
The European Solidarity Corps was launched in December 2016 on the initiative of President Jean-Claude Juncker. In its initial phase, it mobilised 8 different European programmes. 64,000 young people have already participated in it over the last 4 years.
