European Solidarity Corps
A personal commitment at European level
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a European Union programme that offers young people the opportunity to take part in solidarity activities with organisations across Europe.
Activities take place within accredited organisations abroad that run solidarity projects in various fields: inclusion, the reception and integration of vulnerable people, citizenship and participation, the environment and nature conservation, health and wellbeing, education and training, creativity and culture, sport, etc.
Objectives
- To foster solidarity and promote tolerance amongst young people, particularly with a view to strengthening social cohesion within the European Union;
- To develop personal and professional skills;
- To promote shared European values.
Eligibility
- Be aged between 18 and 30.
- Be a citizen of the European Union, or a long-term resident of a Member State.
- Register on the European Youth Portal to create a volunteer profile.
- Priority will be given to applicants from the Hauts-de-France region.
Programme features
- The CES is a European volunteering programme (not an employment contract or voluntary work), based on an activity contract signed with the host organisation.
- Duration of the placement: 2 to 12 months, with accredited organisations in Europe.
- It is possible to undertake several placements (individually and/or as part of a team), provided that the total cumulative duration does not exceed 12 months.
- At the end of the placement, the volunteer receives a Youthpass.
Procedure and support process
The European Solidarity Corps forms part of ADICE’s mobility programme. As such, the association provides support before, during and after your international placement.
1. Before: preparation
- Attendance at the group information session (compulsory);
- Interview with an ADICE project officer to define the participant’s profile, needs and objectives;
- Project development phase;
- Two-day pre-departure training in Roubaix (Hauts-de-France);
2. During: mobility
- Monthly follow-up via email with ADICE to monitor the mobility placement;
- First mid-term review;
3. After: review
- Final review (online) on capitalising on the experience and skills acquired;
Financial support
- Allowance: A variable monthly allowance based on the country’s cost of living and the duration of the exchange, paid as pocket money (approximately €4 to €12 per day depending on the country).
- Transport: Return travel costs are covered by a flat-rate allowance, calculated based on the distance between the place of departure and the place of assignment (European kilometre-based scale).
- Insurance: Insurance cover provided by the European Commission: health, third-party liability and repatriation.
- Leave: 2 days’ leave per month of the assignment.
Countries concerned
EU countries
Germany – Austria – Belgium – Bulgaria – Cyprus – Croatia – Denmark – Spain – Estonia – Finland – France – Greece – Hungary – Ireland – Italy – Latvia – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Malta – Netherlands – Poland – Portugal – Romania – Slovakia – Slovenia – Sweden – Czech Republic
Third countries participating in the programme
Iceland – North Macedonia – Turkey – Liechtenstein
EU neighbouring partner countries
Albania – Algeria – Armenia – Azerbaijan – Belarus – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Egypt – Georgia – Israel – Jordan – Kosovo – Lebanon – Libya – Moldova – Montenegro – Morocco – Norway – Palestine – Russia – Serbia – Syria – Tunisia – Ukraine
