European Solidarity Corps – The New program!
What is the European Solidarity Corps?
The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.
The young people who participate in the European Solidarity Corps will all agree with and uphold its Mission and Principles.
You can register for the European Solidarity Corps when you are 17 years old, but you cannot start a project until you are over 18. European Solidarity Corps projects will be available to people up to the age of 30 years old.
After completing a simple registration process, European Solidarity Corps participants could be selected and invited to join a wide range of projects, such as helping to prevent natural disasters or rebuild afterwards, assisting in centres for asylum seekers, or addressing different social issues in communities.
Projects supported by the European Solidarity Corps can last from two to twelve months. They will usually be located within the European Union Member States.
More information about the European Solidarity Corps [FAQs]
Interested?
If you are up for a challenge, and willing to dedicate yourself to helping other people, then join the European Solidarity Corps today!
Click the button below to start the registration process. To make the process as easy as possible, you can sign up using a social media account, or you can create an account with EU Login. View our data privacy policy.
European Solidarity Corps – Our Mission and Principles
Mission of the European Solidarity Corps
The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal challenges. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop.
Principles of the European Solidarity Corps
European Solidarity Corps participants carry with them ideas, convictions and expectations. The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities.
These general principles of conduct take into account the great variety of potential participants, organisations and environments in which activities may be performed. They should be adapted to the specific circumstances of each activity.
Young people planning to join the European Solidarity Corps should read this document carefully. As a European Solidarity Corps participant, one agrees to uphold the following principles:
European Solidarity Corps participants embrace the values of solidarity, respect for human dignity and human rights, and believe in the promotion of a fair and equal society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality prevail;
European Solidarity Corps participants strive to enhance solidarity between people, while respecting their cultures and their traditions, and aim to build a community of shared responsibilities and mutual support;
European Solidarity Corps participants are willing to make meaningful contributions to society and will show solidarity, cooperation and mutual understanding;
European Solidarity Corps participants must not act in any way that could put others or themselves at risk of being harmed;
European Solidarity Corps participants must respect the rules, organisational structure and practices that govern the hosting organisation, bearing in mind also that this frame may be necessary to respect the personal health, safety and dignity of individuals involved in the activity. European Solidarity Corps participants must also abide by the laws in force in the host country;
joining the European Solidarity Corps must always be the voluntary choice of a young person, and they are free to resign from the initiative. They have the right to refuse to accept any offer of a Corps placement without affecting their chance to receive other offers in the future;
the participation in the European Solidarity Corps does not involve the payment of any fee;
at the end of their placement, European Solidarity Corps participants are entitled to receive a European Solidarity Corps certificate, confirming their participation in the activity;
when accepting a placement for a volunteering activity, European Solidarity Corps participants will sign a Solidarity Contract with the participating Organisation, detailing the conditions of their activity, in line with the principles of the European Solidarity Corps Charter. For an occupational activity, the employment contract will serve a similar purpose;
Prior to the start of the activity and during their deployment, European Solidarity Corps participants will receive clear information about the tasks they will carry out and, where appropriate, adequate training and linguistic support
European Solidarity Corps – Types of Activities
VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES
Individual volunteering lets young people participate in the daily work of organizations and lasts between 2 and 12 months, and in some cases, 2 weeks and up. Participants can volunteer abroad or in their country of residence for projects covering social inclusion, environment, culture, and more. Volunteering teams are groups of 10-40 young people from at least two different countries who volunteer together for a period of between 2 weeks and 2 months. The costs of accommodation and food are covered. Participants also receive a small allowance for personal expenses.
Volunteering teams are groups of 10-40 young people from at least two different countries who volunteer together for a period of between 2 weeks and 2 months. The costs of accommodation and food are covered. Participants also receive a small allowance for personal expenses.
TRAINEESHIPS AND JOBS
Traineeships count as full-time work practice and last between 2 and 6 months – renewable once. They are paid for by the Organisation responsible for the traineeship. Trainees develop their personal, educational, social, civic and professional skills.
Jobs are full-time and last between 3 and 12 months. They are paid for by the Organisation employing the participant.
Traineeships and jobs can take place in the participant’s country of residence or abroad. If abroad, participants receive a small allowance to help them relocate and settle in a foreign country.
| Participants of volunteering activities, traineeships and jobs get online linguistic support, training and mentoring. Their travel costs to and from the project venue are covered. |
SOLIDARITY PROJECTS
Solidarity projects are initiated, developed and implemented over a period of 2 to 12 months by at least five young people who want to make a positive change in their local community. Young people who want to run a solidarity project in their country of residence must register in the European Solidarity Corps portal.
Benefits of joining the European Solidarity Corps
Taking part in a European Solidarity Corps project will be a significant achievement for any young person. It will be an asset when applying for a job and it will help you when you apply for higher education. The European Solidarity Corps could be a new opportunity for you to engage in a meaningful activity which could prove to be a stepping stone into employment.
After participating in a project you will be entitled to receive a certificate that documents your participation. You could use this when applying for jobs or further learning.
As well as being useful for your future career prospects, European Solidarity Corps you will receive a package of other benefits, which will vary depending on the type of project that you undertake. It will also depend on whether you are participating in the Volunteering or Occupational parts of the Corps.
If you decide to volunteer, you will not receive a wage, but will on the other hand be entitled to travel, lodging and subsistence as well as insurance coverage for the duration of the activity. You will receive relevant training before you start and after you arrive on site.
For participants doing an apprenticeship or a traineeship, there will, in some countries, be an employment contract established in accordance with the national regulations of the hosting country. A subsistence allowance will be provided.
For participants that are recruited for a job placement, there will always be a formal labor contract and a wage in accordance with local laws, regulations and collective agreements.
The official site for European Solidarity Corps is: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en
