The European Solidarity Corps connects young people with meaningful opportunities to strengthen communities, support vulnerable groups, and respond to social and humanitarian challenges — at home and across Europe.
Through hands-on projects, participants turn solidarity into action while gaining real-world experience and making a tangible difference.
You can get involved through:
Volunteering — support local communities or take part in projects abroad
Solidarity Projects — design and lead initiatives that address challenges in your own community
Humanitarian Aid Volunteering — contribute to EU-led humanitarian actions worldwide*
* Centralised action under the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps
Mission
The mission of the European Solidarity Corps is to bring young people together to build a more inclusive society by supporting vulnerable groups and responding to societal challenges — while empowering participants to learn, grow, and take action.
Principles & Standards
All activities are guided by a shared set of principles and standards of conduct, designed to ensure quality, safety, and meaningful participation across diverse environments.
These principles are adapted to the specific context of each activity.
The European Solidarity Corps (Korp Ewropew ta’ Solidarjetà – KETS) offers young people aged 18–30 the opportunity to take part in solidarity activities that strengthen communities in their own country and abroad.
Participants engage in projects that address real societal and humanitarian challenges while gaining practical experience, developing skills, and contributing to positive change.
The programme runs under the 2021–2027 funding period.
Who Can Take Part?
Young People
Young people can participate in volunteering and solidarity projects that support communities, promote inclusion, and respond to social needs.
To take part, you must be registered on the European Solidarity Corps PASS Portal.
Organisations
Organisations wishing to participate in the European Solidarity Corps must obtain a Quality Label.
The Quality Label confirms that an organisation meets the programme’s standards, principles, and objectives. Once awarded, it remains valid for the duration of the 2021–2027 programme cycle.
Funding & Applications
European Solidarity Corps activities are funded through grants awarded via calls for proposals.
In Malta:
Organisations may apply to EUPA for funding under decentralised actions, including Volunteering and Solidarity Projects
Organisations may also register directly with the European Commission to participate in Volunteering in Humanitarian Aid, supporting humanitarian operations in third countries
To view upcoming calls and open applications, consult the European Solidarity Corps Open Calls section.
Visual Identity & EU Funding Acknowledgement
All beneficiaries of EU funding are legally required to acknowledge EU support in their communication activities. This includes displaying the EU emblem and the appropriate funding statement, in line with the 2021–2027 visual identity guidelines.
Pre-Application Stage
Before submitting an application under the European Solidarity Corps, organisations must ensure they meet all administrative, legal, and financial requirements.
Skipping this stage is the fastest way to get rejected.
This section explains:
What must be in place before applying
How to register your organisation correctly
Financial and banking requirements
Where to find the Programme Guide and priorities
Organisation Registration (Mandatory)
Before submitting a project proposal, all organisations involved must be registered with the European Commission.
What you need depends on where you apply:
National Agency application → Organisation ID (OID)
Centralised application via EACEA → Participant Identification Code (PIC)
If your organisation is not registered, you cannot apply.
Organisation ID (OID)
If this is your organisation’s first application through a National Agency, you must register and obtain an Organisation ID.
Before registering:
Use the search function to confirm your organisation is not already registered
Duplicate registrations cause delays and rejections
When registering:
Use a generic organisational email address
Store the email, OID, and password centrally
Assume staff turnover will happen — plan accordingly
After registration, organisations must upload:
Legal Entity Form
Financial Identification Form (where applicable)
These documents are available under OID Supporting Documents in the Resource section.
No documents = no validation = no application.
Financing Requirements
Bank Account Rules
The National Agency will only accept bank accounts held with licensed banking institutions.
A bank is defined as a financial institution licensed to receive deposits and make loans.
In Malta, this requires authorisation from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
Banks in other EU countries must be licensed by their respective national authorities.
Critical rules:
Bank accounts must be in the organisation’s name
Personal bank accounts are not accepted, except for informal groups
For informal groups:
Personal accounts are permitted
Two signatories are strongly recommended
One signatory must be the legal representative
SEPA & Currency Rules
SEPA-registered bank accounts are strongly recommended
Non-SEPA accounts may incur additional charges
All payments are processed exclusively in euro (€)
All bank charges are borne by the beneficiary
If you lose money to bank fees, that’s on you — not the Agency.
(SEPA information is provided by the European Central Bank.)
Budget Allocation for Malta
The draft annual budget allocation for Malta is published in the European Solidarity Corps National Agency Work Programme.
This information is available in the Resource section under MT Budget Allocations.
If you don’t understand how much funding is available nationally, you’re applying blind.
European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide (Essential Reading)
All applicants must read the European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide before applying.
The guide explains:
Funding rules
Eligibility conditions
Award criteria
Responsibilities of beneficiaries
A detailed description of the programme, including the Call for Proposals and Programme Guide, is available in the official documentation.
If it’s in the Guide and you ignored it, you don’t get sympathy.
Programme Priorities
All projects must address at least one of the European Solidarity Corps priorities:
Inclusion and diversity
Digital transformation
Environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate action
Participation in democratic life
Projects that fail to clearly link activities to these priorities are weak — and usually rejected.
Useful Resources
European Solidarity Corps Project Platform
Explore approved projects, discover best practices, and find inspiration for future initiatives.
DG EAC
The European Commission department responsible for EU policy on education, youth, sport, and culture, including programmes such as Erasmus+ Programme.
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