What is the European Solidarity Corps and how does it work? The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union programme that offers young people aged 18 to 30 the chance to take part in work or volunteering opportunities, usually from 2 to 12 months, in projects that help communities and people across Europe and beyond.
What is ESC?
The European Solidarity Corps usually offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in the following areas:
- Inclusion
- Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
- Citizenship and democratic participation
- Disaster prevention and management
- Protection of the environment and nature
- Health and wellness
- Education and training
- Employment and entrepreneurship
- Creativity and culture
- Sport
All young people who join the European Solidarity Corps accept and share its mission and principles.
Who is it for?
Young people who are between 18 and 30 years old at the start of the activity and who legally reside in an EU Member State or in one of the other countries covered by the Programme or listed as partner countries. You can register from the age of 17, but you can only start your project once you are 18. For Humanitarian Aid volunteering, the upper age limit is 35.
How long does it last?
Usually between 2 and 12 months. Some volunteering teams and specific projects can be shorter (from 2 weeks) or part-time.
Where can I go?
In all EU Member States and in other programme countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Türkiye. Some projects can also take place in certain partner countries in neighbouring regions.
Requirements to participate
In general, a good command of the English language (or the language of the host country) can come in handy. Some projects may require special skills, but many opportunities are open to motivated beginners.
What do I get? – BENEFITS
The following expenses are usually covered thanks to EU funding:
- food and accommodation (room and board)
- a monthly pocket money
- insurance coverage for the duration of the activity (for example, through the ESC/EVS insurance scheme)
- support services such as language support, mentoring, pre-departure, on-arrival and mid-term training
- part of the return travel expenses
- extra costs related to specific needs (for example, disability support, visa or residence permit fees), when applicable
Some benefits may differ depending on the association/organization possibilities.
How to participate?
To participate or get an idea of the existing projects, you must register on the ESC portal:
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/register_en
After creating an EU Login account and completing a simple registration procedure, as a participant in the European Solidarity Corps you can be selected and invited to join a wide range of projects, connected, for example, to:
- the prevention of natural disasters
- reconstruction following a disaster
- assistance in centres for asylum seekers
- social problems of the local communities
In general, we recommend that you prepare a CV and a motivation letter (both in English or any other language) that may be required at a later stage of the selection and be ready to have an interview in a foreign language, also via Skype or other online tools.
Eligibility
Please note that European Solidarity Corps projects are generally open to people aged between 18 and 30 (up to 35 for Humanitarian Aid volunteering). In addition, only those people who legally reside in specific countries may participate. If you are not legally resident in the EU or one of the programme or partner countries covered by the ESC, you will not be eligible for the majority of projects which may be posted in this group.
Programme countries (as of the 2026 call)
All EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) plus the following countries associated to the Programme: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Türkiye.
Partner countries and other eligible non-EU countries
Young people who legally reside in the following non-EU countries can also register and take part in many ESC activities (depending on the specific call and project): Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Norway, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine.
Special cases
Some countries, such as Switzerland or other non-listed territories, may participate through their own national schemes or specific agreements. Conditions can change, so it is always a good idea to check the most recent information on the official European Solidarity Corps website or with your National Agency before applying.
Source: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
Explore the current ESC (European Solidarity Corps) opportunities featured on our website! 🇪🇺
- See also: European Voluntary Service. 🇪🇺
- and the Erasmus+ section