European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding programme for young people wishing to engage in solidary activities in a variety of areas. These range from helping the disadvantaged to humanitarian aid, as well as contributing to health and environmental action across the EU and beyond.

The programme finances projects to engage young people in solidary activities addressing societal challenges through volunteering or by setting up their own solidary projects. The programme’s ambition is not only to be more inclusive but also greener and more digital.

The European Solidarity Corps finances volunteering (including humanitarian aid) and solidary projects. It is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 (35 for humanitarian aid) and to organisations in EU and partner countries.

Ask Questions

Curious or uncertain? Check the most asked questions, maybe they have some answers about European Solidarity Corps (ESC)!

How long does the ESC project last?

The duration of each European Solidarity corps typically lasts about 2–12 months, depending on each case it might differ.  Each project encompasses distinct paces, objectives, methodologies, and results.
Who can participate?

If you are between 18 – 30 (in some cases 35) you are eligible to participate. 

Do I need to pay for accommodation, traveling or food?

All participants can access a range of support services such as online
linguistic support and training. Their travel costs from home to the venue of
the project and back will be covered. Participants in volunteering activities will receive a small allowance (pocket money) for their personal expenses throughout the duration of the activity. Volunteers accommodation and food will be provided by the host organisation.

What kind of activities can I expect during the project?

The majority of activities depend on the project topic; however, you can expect that your help will be needed across various educational tasks—from brainstorming and assisting with logistics to actively facilitating sessions. The European Solidarity Corps commitment must be full-time for participants, requiring between 30 and 38 hours per week (including language and other training activities related to the project).

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding programme for young people wishing to engage in solidary activities in a variety of areas. These range from helping the disadvantaged to humanitarian aid, as well as contributing to health and environmental action across the EU and beyond.

The programme finances projects to engage young people in solidary activities addressing societal challenges through volunteering or by setting up their own solidary projects. The programme’s ambition is not only to be more inclusive but also greener and more digital.

The European Solidarity Corps finances volunteering (including humanitarian aid) and solidary projects. It is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 (35 for humanitarian aid) and to organisations in EU and partner countries.

FAQ

Curious or uncertain? Check the most asked questions, maybe they have some answers about European Solidarity Corps (ESC)!

How long does the ESC project last?

The duration of each European Solidarity corps typically lasts about 2–12 months, depending on each case it might differ.  Each project encompasses distinct paces, objectives, methodologies, and results.
Who can participate?

If you are between 18 – 30 (in some cases 35) you are eligible to participate. 

Do I need to pay for accommodation, traveling or food?

All participants can access a range of support services such as online
linguistic support and training. Their travel costs from home to the venue of
the project and back will be covered. Participants in volunteering activities will receive a small allowance (pocket money) for their personal expenses throughout the duration of the activity. Volunteers accommodation and food will be provided by the host organisation.

What kind of activities can I expect during the project?

The majority of activities depend on the project topic; however, you can expect that your help will be needed across various educational tasks—from brainstorming and assisting with logistics to actively facilitating sessions. The European Solidarity Corps commitment must be full-time for participants, requiring between 30 and 38 hours per week (including language and other training activities related to the project).

Looking for more meaningful longer term opportunity to gain more skills, network around Europe or explore yourself? Sounds like you could be a perfect candidate for a European Solidarity Corps! During ESC projects participants dive into various topics: democracytoleranceinclusiondigital workequalitysolidaritymental healthyoung people’s problemsactive citizenship, and sustainable development through active learning methods and non-formal education. Take a part in ESC projects if you’d like to learn another language, improve your English skills, work on your skills in different topics, while Erasmus+ covers all travel, accommodation, and meals. At the end of the project, you will receive awards: a Youthpass Certificate for European recognition. Join the vibrant and active community of international youth projects and embrace new experiences with Erasmus+ projects!

Available opportunities

Volunteering in Gran Canaria, Spain

The general objectives of this project are to generate a dynamic, creative and participatory environment through playful activities that stimulate the hospitalised child. On the one hand, support shall be provided so that the child normalises and experiences the hospitalisation process in a non-traumatic way and that its relationships with other children are forstered.
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Volunteering in Mondolfo, Italy

The Italian Red Cross, a non-profit organization, leading a public interest fundraiser to support charitable activities with a primary focus on health, social well-being, and education, offering training in health-related matters as well. Volunteers will mainly be responsible for providing assistance and support to the sick, injured, disabled, and elderly individuals. Additionally, they will get to participate in various community events, where they'll be offering first aid services.
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Volunteering in Sandrigo, Italy

Margherita is a social Cooperative established in Sandrigo. Our mission is to work in favour of disadvantaged people such as people with disabilities, minors and older people. They design and manage services promoting social inclusion, participation, self-determination, solidarity and also address the whole citizenship through promotional and cultural events.

The start date of the activity From 19 May, 2025
The duration of the activity long term - 11.5 months (351 days)
Send your motivational letter and CV to europacoop@cooperativamargherita.org
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Volunteering in Nurmes, Finland

An opportunity for young people who are concerned about sustainability and want to act on it. Volunteers will organize a series of workshops for the local community in Nurmes, Eastern Finland to celebrate the EU Green Week. They will also learn how Hyvärilä youth centre as Green Key certified destination reduces the negative impact of tourism. We are looking for young people who are eager to raise awareness via social media channels and workshops, who are ready to share their tips on being sustainable, and organize workshops and activities for the local community: everyone from little children to seniors.

Volunteering will last for 2 weeks, April 23 - May 6, 2025
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Volunteering in Ravenna, Italy

A new volunteering opportunity as part of the "Youth International Ravenna" project! We are currently looking for one motivated volunteer (aged 18-30) from Europe to join us for an enriching 11-month experience. About the Project The selected volunteer will actively participate in various activities, including:
Supporting the Youth Information Centre
Managing social media and communication
Engaging in local and international youth projects
Assisting in non-formal education activities for children at the local Youth and Family Center
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Volunteering in Arrouquelas, Portugal

The aim of this project is to give them the opportunity to get to know our country, our culture and our work. Volunteers will live in our local community helping children and trying to integrate them with the elderly population. Volunteers need to be prepared to team up with the "H2O" volunteers in all the work our organization does, both on a practical and logistical level. In Arrouquelas the population is mostly elderly, so we want volunteers to create a greater interaction between the young people and these people.
Send your motivational letter to h2o@h2o.org.pt
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Volunteering in Turin Italy

Interested in learning sign language and Italian? Have you always wanted to help people in need, promote understanding, and work with a social purpose? Say no more! Discover this incredible opportunity to volunteer in Italy and make a real difference while gaining valuable skills.
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Can’t find your adventurous project this time?

Want to stay up to date with Erasmus+ projects? join a newsletter here