Resolution on the creation of the European Solidarity Corps

The European Parliament's plenary session approved a resolution on 6 April 2017 on the European Commission's plans to establish a European Solidarity Corps. This vote was preceded by a first vote by the chamber's culture and education committee on 22 March.

The text calls on the Commission to clearly distinguish between volunteering activities and job placements. It also underlines that the activities of this initiative should primarily meet local needs and rely on existing and well-established volunteering schemes.

The Commission was expected to put forward a comprehensive legislative proposal later in the year. The first stage of this initiative was nonetheless launched in December 2016, attached to funding from other education and citizenship programmes. The Parliament's committee urged the Commission not to prolong the usage of such funds for the Corps.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: European Solidarity Corps http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-solidarity-corps/

European Parliament: Press Release, 22.03.17: EU Solidarity Corps not to be funded with Erasmus+ budget, urge culture MEPs http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170322IPR68109/

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