Support the Petition for a Stronger European Solidarity Corps

Since 2018, the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) has offered more than 100,000 young people the chance to take part in volunteering and solidarity projects across Europe, strengthening communities and building connections beyond borders. Yet, despite its remarkable impact, the programme remains underfunded, still limited by bureaucracy and by the lack of recognition for Supporting Organisations.

Recent signals from the European Commission are far from encouraging for our sector: there is a real risk that the role of the ESC will be significantly reduced, with negative consequences for young people and for the organisations working tirelessly to make solidarity a reality. Now is the time to raise our voices.

This petition is based on a thorough analysis carried out by The GloRe Network, a European network of ESC Lead Organisations. 98 organisations from 18 countries contributed to the research and has been further enriched with insights from the 2025 official mid-term evaluation of the programme. The document is addressed to all organisations engaged in the ESC (Lead, Host, or Supporting) and will be presented to key stakeholders during an international conference scheduled for December 2025.

We need your support to gather a significant number of signatures. Alongside this petition available below, we have also developed a more detailed Position Paper, with the full analysis and data underpinning our proposals.

By signing the Petition, you will stand with us in making the ESC stronger and more inclusive.

SOLIDARITY IN ACTION: A CALL FOR A STRONGER ESC

 

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is one of the most impactful programmes ever created by the European Union. Since 2018, it has offered over 100,000 young people a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and engage through volunteering and solidarity initiatives, both locally and internationally.

 

The ESC changes lives. It gives young people the chance to discover their strengths, connect with others, and develop the skills they need to shape their future. For many, it has opened doors that would otherwise have remained shut. It also strengthens our societies: it brings people together across borders, promotes a culture of care and cooperation, and fosters a truly European sense of belonging.

 

The programme’s success is visible and measurable. It reaches more and more young people with fewer opportunities, creates lasting bonds among participants and communities, and supports inclusive actions on key social issues: education, environment, migration, and humanitarian aid. It has proven effective even in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine.

 

Yet despite its enormous potential, the programme remains underfunded. Many organisations struggle to provide adequate support to volunteers, especially those facing greater challenges. Bureaucratic burdens and unclear rules often undermine access and inclusion. The role of Supporting Organisations remains unrecognised, even though they are essential in preparing, accompanying, and supporting young people throughout the entire experience.
As the European Union prepares for its next Multiannual Financial Framework (2027–2033), we call on EU institutions and national authorities to invest more in the European Solidarity Corps. Now is the time to scale up what works.

 

We ask for:

 

A REINFORCED BUDGET, to ensure that all young people—especially the most vulnerable—can access this life-changing experience, through high-quality, inclusive activities led by trained and supported staff.

 

GREATER RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FOR SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS, to empower those who work every day to reach young people where they are, including those currently excluded from EU opportunities.

 

CLEARER RULES AND LESS BUREAUCRACY, to allow organisations to focus on what really matters: inclusion, education, and solidarity.

 

We believe in the transformative power of solidarity. We believe in a Europe that acts, cares, and includes. We believe in the European Solidarity Corps.

 

Now is the time to make it stronger.
Support our proposals and sign our Petition, here!