Young people need easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities, which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities, while acquiring valuable experience and competences for their personal, educational, social, cultural, civic and professional development, thereby improving their employability.
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) builds on the achievements of more than 25 years of European programmes in the fields of youth and solidarity. ESC brings together young people to create a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to societal and humanitarian challenges. It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop. ESC provides a single entry point for such solidarity activities throughout the Union and beyond.
The Programme opens up more and better opportunities covering a broad range of areas, such as integration of migrants, environmental challenges, prevention of natural disasters, education and youth activities, preservation of cultural heritage, and humanitarian aid. It also supports national and local actors in their efforts to cope with different societal challenges and crises.
By extending its scope to cover volunteering activities in support of humanitarian aid operations, the European Solidarity Corps provides needs-based emergency aid and helps to deliver assistance, relief and protection where most needed. It thus helps address not only unmet societal needs in Europe but also humanitarian challenges in third countries.
The activities under the European Solidarity Corps support the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy for 2019-2027, which encourages young people to become active citizens, agents of solidarity and positive change for communities across Europe, inspired by EU values and European identity.
