In a recent meeting, 18th February 2009, it was announced that the European Commission, on instruction of President Barroso, has started preparing the European Year of Volunteering 2011.

This announcement follows an intensive two and a half year campaign led by an alliance of nineteen European networks active in volunteering and coordinated by the European Volunteer Centre (CEV).

CEV is delighted to see that the European Commission has taken up a civil society initiative. They believe that the decision to work towards 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering brings the Commission closer to the people of Europe and to their real concerns. It has responded to the voice of its citizens: over 100 million Europeans contribute to society as volunteers, putting into practice shared values of solidarity, social cohesion and active citizenship.

Since volunteers contribute to so many EU policies, CEV welcome this move to acknowledge, celebrate and promote their engagement. We want the European Year of Volunteering 2011 to make an impact at every level and they are ready to support the Commission in its efforts to organise and deliver a meaningful and successful Year.

A number of European bodies (the European Economic and Social Committee (2006); the Council of Education and Youth Ministers (2007); the Committee of the Regions (2008) and the European Parliament, with a Written Declaration adopted by 454 MEPs in 2008) have already declared their support for this Year.

(Press Releace, CEV)