The European Solidarity Corps is one of the European Union's flagship programmes supporting volunteering and solidarity activities.
It offers young people the opportunity to participate in projects that benefit communities while developing new skills through practical experience. Projects cover a wide range of topics, including education, environmental protection, social inclusion, culture, youth work, health, and humanitarian support.
Participants usually volunteer in another country, although opportunities also exist within their own country through Solidarity Projects, where groups of young people design and implement initiatives responding to local community needs.
Beyond volunteering itself, the programme places strong emphasis on learning. Participants receive mentoring, support throughout their activities, and recognition of the competences they develop.
The ESC is guided by several core principles, including solidarity, inclusion, active participation, diversity, and non-formal learning, making it much more than a traditional volunteering programme.