Volunteering: strengthening of active European citizenship.

"After having supported the European Year of Volunteering in 2011, I am satisfied at the approval by the European Parliament of my Report on recognising and promoting cross-border voluntary activities in the EU. I believe that the adoption of such a Report shows that volunteering is an indispensable tool and active support for the expansion of a common public spirit", said Marco Scurria MEP, EPP Group Coordinator in the Culture and Education Committee of the European Parliament and Rapporteur of the Report on 'Cross-border voluntary activities in the EU', after the vote.

"According to a study by the European Commission, we can see that there are some 100 million European citizens who are active in various voluntary activities and that volunteering could contribute to an increase of 5% of European GDP. We therefore believe in the promotion of this sector through concrete action: the creation of an EU portal with a special section dedicated to cross-border volunteering; the creation of a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps, able to select, train and provide competent volunteers in cases of natural disasters in order to provide adequate support to local organisations; and finally the creation of a European Skills Passport, valid in all EU countries, which will allow cross-border recognition of professional qualifications and skills acquired through volunteering", concluded Marco Scurria MEP.

Volunteering - which is an important priority for the EPP Group - is a key element to improving social cohesion, an important creator of human and social capital, and a pathway to integration and employment. It is a highly visible expression of European citizenship and identity as volunteers contribute to shaping society and helping people in need. Marco Scurria's objective is to promote cross-border volunteering through his Report, further developing its potential, in cooperation with Member States and through EU funding programmes.