European Commission launches European Solidarity Corps

The European Commission on Wednesday launched the European Solidarity Corps as a first deliverable priority set in the "Bratislava Roadmap."

With the new European Solidarity Corps, participants will have the opportunity to be placed with a project either for volunteering or for a traineeship, an apprenticeship or a job for a period between 2 and 12 months.

Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 can sign up for new opportunities to make an important contribution to society across the European Union (EU), and to gain invaluable experience and acquire valuable skills at the start of their career.

According to a press release of the Commission, fighting youth unemployment is a top priority for the EU. Promoting employment is a matter of common concern, shared by all member states, and the Commission supports their effort through a range of policies and actions.

As part of the measures, the release says the Commission is presenting a series of actions to help member states provide high quality education for all young people, so that they can acquire the knowledge and skills to participate fully in society and to respond to new opportunities and challenges opened up by globalization and technological change.

At the Bratislava Summit of Sept. 16, 2016, the heads of state and government of 27 EU member states also confirmed their commitment to fighting youth unemployment and creating more opportunities for young people.

The so-called "Bratislava Roadmap" establishes concrete deliverables and deadlines in view of "creating a promising economic future for all, safeguard our way of life and provide better opportunities for youth." Enditem