Do something that truly matters
The European Solidarity Corps lets you volunteer abroad, start your own project at home or take part in humanitarian action — fully funded by the EU. No experience required.
€1.01bn
Budget 2021–2027
18–30
Age requirement
€0
Cost to you
What is it?
The EU pays — you change the world
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is the EU's programme for young people who want to make a difference. You can volunteer in another European country, launch your own solidarity project at home, or take part in humanitarian action outside the EU — all with financial support from the EU.
The programme has a total budget of €1.01 billion for 2021–2027 and pursues two main goals: to offer young people accessible opportunities for solidarity activities, and to improve their skills and employability.
Activity areas
What can you work with?
Explore all areas →Social work & inclusion
Support people in vulnerable situations — in shelters, supported housing or through outreach work with homeless people, those struggling with addiction or people with mental health challenges.
Migration & integration
Help newcomers find their place in a new country — language support, cultural orientation, legal guidance and practical day-to-day help.
Education & youth
Inspire the next generation in classrooms, youth centres and informal learning environments — tutoring, mentoring and educational activities.
Environment & sustainability
Work on climate issues, biodiversity, organic farming, nature conservation and sustainable community development.
Culture & arts
Use creativity as a tool for change — arts, media, theatre, film, cultural heritage, museums and cultural events across Europe.
Health & care
Contribute to well-being — public health work, preventive action, elderly care, palliative care and support for people with disabilities.
In addition to these six main areas, there are ESC projects in animal welfare, disaster preparedness, democracy, human rights, sports and much more. No experience required.
Opportunities
Choose your path
Individual volunteering
2 weeks – 12 months
Work alone at a host organisation in another European country. Full-time (30–38 hours/week).
- ✓Accommodation, food and travel covered
- ✓Monthly pocket money
- ✓Free language course (OLS)
- ✓EU insurance included
Group volunteering
2 weeks – 2 months
Work alongside volunteers from at least 2 countries (min. 5 volunteers). Focused on shared European challenges.
- ✓International team
- ✓Accommodation and travel covered
- ✓Pocket money and insurance
- ✓Youthpass certificate
Solidarity Projects
2–12 months
Create your own project in your home community together with at least 5 friends. You choose the topic — part-time.
- ✓€630 per month for the project
- ✓Apply directly without an organisation
- ✓You decide the focus
- ✓Coach support included
Financial support
What the EU covers
Travel
Return travel to and from the project is covered.
Accommodation
The host organisation arranges accommodation throughout your stay.
Food
Daily meals or a food allowance are included.
Pocket money
Monthly pocket money adjusted for the cost of living in your host country.
Language course
Free online language courses via OLS in all official EU languages.
Insurance
EU insurance covers health and accidents throughout the project.
Youthpass
Certificate documenting your competences and learning outcomes.
Step by step
How it works
Create your profile
Set up an EU Login account and complete your profile on the European Youth Portal. Takes about 10 minutes.
Find a project
Browse hundreds of projects. Filter by country, topic and duration.
Contact the organisation
Write directly to the organisation via the portal. Tell them who you are and why you want to take part.
Get accepted
If selected, the organisation helps with the practicalities — visas, accommodation and travel.
Go and make a difference
Learn a new language, build a European network and come home with a Youthpass certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered
Ready to apply?
youth.europa.eu
youth.europa.eu, commission.europa.eu och eacea.ec.europa.eu
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