Last updated: June 2026. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union (EU) programme that supports young people who want to volunteer, take part in solidarity projects or join humanitarian aid activities. It is mainly aimed at people aged 18 to 30, with a higher age limit of 35 for Humanitarian Aid volunteering.
This page focuses especially on European Solidarity Corps volunteering opportunities, because they are the most relevant part of the programme for many Voluntouring readers interested in meaningful travel, community projects and international volunteering.
European Solidarity Corps at a glance
The European Solidarity Corps connects young people with approved organisations working on social, cultural, environmental, educational and humanitarian projects. Registration is free, but being registered does not automatically guarantee a place in a project. You still need to apply, be selected and meet the conditions of the specific opportunity.
What can you do through the European Solidarity Corps?
The current European Solidarity Corps programme offers different ways to get involved. You can volunteer abroad or in your own country, join a volunteering team, take part in Humanitarian Aid volunteering, or create a local Solidarity Project with other young people.
Individual volunteering
A full-time volunteering activity, usually abroad, hosted by an approved organisation. Activities can range from short-term projects to longer experiences of up to 12 months.
Team volunteering
A shorter group experience, normally lasting from 2 weeks to 2 months, with volunteers from different countries working together on a shared project.
Solidarity Projects
Local projects created by young people in their own community, usually around social, environmental, cultural or civic challenges.
Humanitarian Aid volunteering
A specific branch of the programme for volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations. It is open to people up to 35 years old and requires specific training.
Who can join?
For most European Solidarity Corps volunteering activities, you must be between 18 and 30 years old at the start of the activity. You can register on the official portal from the age of 17, but you cannot begin a project until you are 18.
You must also legally reside in an eligible country. These include all European Union Member States, several countries associated to the programme, and a number of non-associated partner countries. The list can change, and not every opportunity is open to every eligible country, so the safest approach is always to check the country requirements on the specific project page before applying.
Important note on eligibility
Being eligible to register for the European Solidarity Corps does not mean that you can apply for every single opportunity. Each project may have its own country restrictions, language needs, dates, selection process and practical conditions.
How long does European Solidarity Corps volunteering last?
Individual volunteering can last from 2 weeks to 12 months, depending on the project. Team volunteering is shorter and can last from 2 weeks to 2 months. Solidarity Projects usually last from 2 to 12 months and are mainly local, part-time initiatives created by a group of young people.
Most volunteering activities are full-time, often around 30 to 38 hours per week. The exact schedule should always be explained by the host organisation before you accept a place.
Where can you go?
European Solidarity Corps projects can take place in European Union countries and in other countries covered by the programme. According to the official European Youth Portal, the countries associated to the programme are Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Türkiye. Other non-associated countries may also be involved in certain activities, depending on the action and the project.
See the current country groups listed by the European Youth Portal
European Union countries
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 and Sweden.
Countries associated to the programme
Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Türkiye.
Countries not associated to the programme
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.
This list is based on the official European Youth Portal country page checked in June 2026. Always verify the latest official information before applying.
What costs are usually covered?
European Solidarity Corps volunteering is not a paid job. Volunteers do not receive a salary, but the programme usually covers the main costs connected to the activity.
- Accommodation and food during the project
- Travel support to and from the project, according to programme rules
- Insurance coverage for the duration of the activity
- Pocket money for personal expenses
- Support services, including training and language support when available
- Specific-needs support when applicable, for example disability-related support or other approved extra costs
The exact amount of pocket money and the practical arrangements can vary by country, project and call year. Always read the opportunity page carefully and ask the host or support organisation to explain accommodation, food, travel, local transport and daily schedule before accepting.
Do you need special skills?
Many European Solidarity Corps opportunities are open to motivated beginners. Some projects may ask for a specific language level, practical experience or previous involvement in the topic, but many are designed as learning experiences.
A basic command of English, or of the host country’s language, can be useful. For projects involving children, vulnerable people, health, education or humanitarian work, volunteers should expect clearer boundaries, supervision, preparation and safeguarding rules.
How to apply
To apply, you need to register on the official European Solidarity Corps portal. You will first create a European Union (EU) Login account, then complete your European Solidarity Corps profile. After that, you can search for opportunities, apply to projects and be contacted by approved organisations.
Before applying, it is useful to prepare a simple curriculum vitae and a short motivation letter. Some organisations may invite you for an online interview. Keep your message honest and practical: explain why you are interested in the project, what you can contribute, what you hope to learn and when you are available.
Before accepting a project
Before saying yes to a European Solidarity Corps placement, check the practical details carefully. You should understand where you will live, what tasks you will do, how many hours you will volunteer, who will support you, what costs are covered and what happens if there is a problem during the project.
Useful questions to ask
- What will my main tasks be?
- How many hours per week will I volunteer?
- Where will I sleep, and will I share a room?
- How are food, local transport and pocket money organised?
- Who is my mentor or contact person if something goes wrong?
- Are there special rules for working with children or vulnerable people?
Where to find current European Solidarity Corps opportunities
You can search for current opportunities directly on the European Youth Portal. Voluntouring may also feature selected European Solidarity Corps opportunities when they are relevant to our readers, but the official application process normally takes place through the European Solidarity Corps portal or through the organisation managing the project.
Explore European Solidarity Corps opportunities featured on Voluntouring:
Official sources
For the most accurate and updated information, check the official European Youth Portal before applying:
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering_en
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/countries-covered_en
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/register_en
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/organisations/calls-for-proposals_en