European Solidarity Corps 2021-2027 has been launched

20 April 2021

Illustration by European Commission, 2021

On 15th of April the European Commission has launched the 2021 European Solidarity Corps call for proposals, while also publishing the 2021 European Solidarity Corps Guide and the 2021 European Solidarity Corps Annual work programme.

With a dedicated budget of €1.009 billion for 2021-2027, the new European Solidarity Corps programme will offer opportunities to at least 270,000 young people to help address societal and humanitarian challenges through volunteering or by setting up their own solidarity projects. For the first year of action, more than €138 million are available.

Moreover, the European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide introduces a new priority Prevention, Promotion & Support in the field of Health, specifically aimed at supporting Europe in managing the impact of and recovery from Covid-19.

The new European Solidarity Corps supports the political priorities of the European Union and engages organisations and young people in projects to address them. The programme promotes inclusion and diversity, aims to incorporate green practices in projects and encourages environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour among participants and participating organisations. It supports the digital transition through projects and activities that boost digital skills and fosters digital literacy. The programme also promotes participation of young people in democratic processes and civic engagement. In addition, the new programme has the flexibility to add annual priorities addressing pressing issues. This year’s additional thematic area is health. The programme will mobilise young people in projects addressing health challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recovery.

The 2021 European Solidarity Corps Guide is currently available in English and is being translated in all official EU languages. As soon as the translations become available, they will be published on the website and uploaded on NAconnECt.