European Solidarity Corps - a green start for young people's future and nature - Main contents

The EU Solidarity Corps is being launched on Wednesday 7th December by European Commission Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva. It will allow young people to make a hands-on contribution in areas such as disaster relief, social integration and poverty reduction.

I am very proud that there is also a strong environmental aspect to the Solidarity corps. How? Through the direct use of our Natura 2000 network of nature sites. These sites are the lungs and hearts of the EU. Based on the success of the EU birds and habitats directives, they are our 'fitness plan' to make sure that, for the sake of young Europeans to come, Europe stays in shape. Now, through the European Solidarity Corps, young people will have a chance to contribute directly to our efforts to constantly improve this network.

Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world. It represents over 18 % of the EU’s land area and almost 6 % of its marine territory. The sites offer a haven to Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats.

For the Commission, the Natura 2000 network is an investment in Nature that pays dividends already now but even more so for the next generations. The best motivation that we can have is to think of those that will come after us. We want young people to have the same opportunity to benefit from nature that we did. Anyone my age will have many fond memories associated with areas of natural beauty. But it is not just a question of enjoying nature.

It is also a question of long-term security. Good biodiversity management is essential for our water supply, for pollination rates, for soil quality. And if one thinks of forestry, it is good management in our strategy to combat climate change.

On Wednesday 7th, our services in DG Environment will launch a call for preparatory actions for the deployment of European Solidary Corps volunteers to support the conservation of Natura 2000 sites. This pilot project has a budget of €3,3 million and is financed by the LIFE programme for Environment and Climate Action and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EARDF).

This first action will focus on mobilising in-country volunteers. It will enable young people (18 to 30 year-olds) to increase their awareness, assume ownership and responsibility over our common European natural heritage while helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the EU biodiversity objectives. In addition, LIFE will partner with ERASMUS+ to offer environment cross-border volunteering opportunities to young Europeans. This second action will see the day in the first half of 2017.

This way we hope to show that the European Solidarity Corps is a green start for young people's future and for Europe's nature.