European Solidarity Corps
Discover the European Union Programme dedicated to European youth and launched by the European Commission. Plenty of opportunities for young people to volunteer and support education, training, youth and sport.
Thanks to the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Voluntary Service more than 100.000 young Europeans traveled over Europe and beyond, and explored new cultures and countries. Now with the Europeans Solidarity Corps, there are much more chances to go, explore, grow and make unforgettable memories.
Where can I go?
You can find European Solidarity Corps projects in each EU country and occasionally outside the European Union.
How long does it last?
A European Solidarity Corps project can last between one month up to one year. Commonly you should undertake a short-term, followed by a long-term project.
Who can join the ESC?
Every young European aged between 18 and 30 years old. It is possible for non-EU residents to join too, when specified into the project itself.
How much does it cost?
The European Solidarity Corps is funded by the European Union. Travel, food and accommodation are provided, plus a monthly pocket money.
Can I participate more than once?
You can take part in the European Solidarity Corps for 12 months in total, choosing e.g. a short-term (2 months) and after a long-term (10 months) project.
Who can help me?
Your National Agency and the local organisations in your country active in ESC projects. You firstly have to create your European Solidarity Corps profile to access the European Solidarity Corps portal.
What are the European Solidarity Corps?
The European Solidarity Corps are meant to take action where it’s needed, in case of a crisis. Natural disasters, climate crisis, migrant emergencies or simply care of the disadvantaged ones – like people with disabilities, poor people or youngsters with fewer opportunities.
In September 2016, the European Solidarity Corps were born to improve the former European Voluntary Service and provide even more possibilities to the European youth. From back then, it has developed and spread to many fields of action.
How do European Solidarity Corps work?
They work like any other volunteering opportunity, except for the fact that they are a Programme fully funded by the European Union.
The calls are available for all young people from 18 years old and 30 years old. Those who already took part in the previous EVS Programme will not be able to join the ESC.
The biggest innovation, compared to the EVS, is that now it is possible to apply for a short-term project and, afterwards, for a long-term project too – while the reverse is not possible.
Who can participate?
All European citizens aged between 18 and 30 can participate in the European Solidarity Corps. They must be legally resident in the EU Member States or the following Partner Countries:
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Russian Federation.