European year of Volunteering 2011 documents

Press releases

In a first press release, the Commission announces to the press its proposal for designating 2011 the European Year of Volunteering 2011.
In a second press release at the media launch on 5 December 2010, the Commission presents the objectives and planned activities of the European Year of Volunteering to the European press.

Commission Proposal for a European Year of Volunteering 2011 (117 kB)  

On 3 June 2009, the Commission proposes to designate 2011 the European Year of volunteering.

Ex ante evaluation (125 kB)  

The Commission's proposal for the European Year Volunteering of 2011 is based on an ex ante evaluation carried out in spring 2009.

Study on volunteering in the EU (3 MB)

The Commission's study on volunteering in the European Union provides research and insight into the situation of volunteering in the 27 EU Member States in 2010.

Volunteering Executive summary DE
Volunteering Executive summary FR

Council decision on the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) (754 kB)  

The Council decision of 27 November 2009 establishes the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship 2011.

Report on cross border volunteering (136 kB)  

Report of the European Parliament on recognising and promoting cross-border voluntary activities in the European Union

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: Recognising and Promoting Cross-Border Volunteering (44 kB)  

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the "Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Communication on EU Policies and Volunteering: Recognising and Promoting Cross-Border Volunteering".

Council conclusions on volunteering and sport (57 kB)  

Council conclusions on the role of voluntary activities in sport in promoting active citizenship.

Warsaw Declaration of the National Coordinating Bodies (58 kB)  

In the European Union, almost 100 million citizens of all ages invest their time and talents to make a positive contribution to their community by volunteering in civil society organisations, youth clubs, hospitals, schools, in sport clubs, etc.

EYV 2011 Alliance Policy Agenda on Voluneering in Europe (P.A.V.E)

EYV 2011 Alliance Policy Agenda on Voluneering in Europe (P.A.V.E)

Volunteering Charter (224 kB)  

European charter on the rights and responsibilities of volunteers