European Solidarity Corps 2021-2027

Briefing 09-06-2021

The financial allocation for the European Solidarity Corps programme is €1 009 million at current prices. Projected to offer opportunities for 350 000 18 to 30 year olds from 2021 to 2027, the programme is included under Heading 5 'Promoting our European way of life' of the Commission priorities. In its initial phases, the European Solidarity Corps suffered from unsuccessful branding and communication, as it came into direct competition with two similar programmes, the European Voluntary Service and the EU Aid Volunteers Initiative. The new instrument merges these earlier programmes. The distinctive feature of the European Solidarity Corps today is that it brings together solidarity and humanitarian aid volunteering opportunities for young people and uses existing management structures to maximise focus on delivery and performance. The Parliament and Council reached agreement on the Commission's proposal following the overall agreement on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, and the legislative procedure concluded in May 2021.