(BRUSSELS) – The EU Commission published a call for proposals Monday under the European Solidarity Corps initiative which enables young people to volunteer or work on projects that benefit people and communities around Europe.
For this second call for proposals under the initiative, more than EUR 96 million is being made available to support solidarity activities for young people in 2019.
“The Solidarity Corps has grown to become the EU’s flagship initiative creating opportunities for young people to support communities and individuals in need,” said Tibor Navracsics, the Commissioner for Youth: “With this call, the EU is continuing to respond to the more than 90,000 young people who have already declared themselves ready to engage in the activities of the Corps. By participating in this initiative, young people lend a helping hand where it is needed, while gaining invaluable experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
More than 10,000 people have already started their activities in projects dealing with various topics such as environment, culture, social services, helping refugees, migrants, children or the elderly.
Projects eligible for funding from the Solidarity Corps range from volunteering projects and partnerships to traineeships and jobs, in areas such as protecting European cultural heritage, fostering the social inclusion of people with fewer opportunities and tackling environmental and climate challenges.
Groups of young people registered in the European Solidarity Corps Portal, as well as public and private bodies established in EU Member States which have received the relevant quality label, may apply for funding.
Deadlines for submission of projects fall between 5 February and 1 October 2019 depending on the type of activity. The new call follows the first one launched in August 2018.
The evaluation of these applications is now reaching its final stages. Grants will be awarded before the end of the year,and the first activities are set to start at the beginning of 2019. More information on European Solidarity Corps activities can be found in this factsheet.
European Solidarity Corps Portal
European Solidarity Corps factsheet – state of play December 2018