European voluntary service for young people
The European Commission, at the initiative of Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education, training and youth, is planning to introduce a pilot action for a "European voluntary service for young people". Following growing demand in recent years for such a scheme, as well as requests from the European Parliament, NGOs, and several Member States, the Commission is intending to introduce a pilot programme involving around 2,500 Europeans aged between 18 and 25. This will involve voluntary organizations with experience of working with disadvantaged young people. The aim of the voluntary service scheme is to give young people experience of pursuing an activity of general interest, while discovering a different country, language and culture. This is something which can help young people integrate into working life and society more easily. It is not, however, intended to be a replacement for any national systems of military service in Member States. At present, there are opportunities for voluntary service in many Member States, as well as through the European Community's Youth for Europe programme, but none of these schemes are genuinely multilateral. Moreover, particular problems still persist for young people in obtaining residence permits in host countries, and in obtaining guaranteed social protection in these countries. The absence of a European legal status for young volunteers is a hurdle to the freedom of movement of young people. The pilot project will receive funding of ECU 15 million for 1996. The participants will undertake projects lasting 6 to 12 months, within EU Member States. The Commission will also examine the possibility of placing volunteers in non-Community countries. More detailed information on the proposed pilot action will be available in April 1996. In the meantime, the Commission is also examining the feasibility of a multiannual programme of European voluntary service establishing an appropriate legal and financial framework in this area.