The European Commission today launched the European Solidarity Corps.
This Corps was first announced by President Juncker last September and is aimed to give young people the chance to take part in a range of solidarity activities that address challenging situations across the EU.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 will be able to volunteer or do an internship, apprenticeship or work where it is needed most to respond to challenging situations. They can take part for a period of two to twelve months in either Volunteer placements - offering full-time voluntary opportunities, with a grant; or Occupational placements - providing opportunities to find a job, traineeships, or apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors.
Registration is easy. Anyone between 18 and 30 years old can join the European Solidarity Corps on www.europa.eu/solidarity-corps. Once registered on the site, young people can be contacted by interested organisations offering a placement
“Solidarity is the glue that keeps our Union together”, said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, adding that “Young people across the European Union will be able to volunterr their help where it is needed most, to respond to crisis situations. These young people will be able to develop their skills and get not only work but also invaluable human experience”.
Participants in the European Solidarity Corps will have the opportunity to engage in a broad range of activities such as education, health, social integration, assistance in the provision of food, shelter construction, reception, support and integration of migrants and refugees, environmental protection or prevention of natural disasters (excluding immediate response to disasters which requires more specialised skills and training).
The European Solidarity Corps participants will be matched with non-governmental organisations (NGO), local and national authorities or private companies that are looking for support in their activities. Once participants have registered, organisations will be able to find their profile as they look for candidates for solidarity projects. Participants are free to decline any offer made by an organisation.
Placements are possible in all 28 EU Member States, and depending on which EU programme funds a particular project, other countries could come into question as well (for instance Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Liechtenstein or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).