REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on the European Year of Volunteering (2011)

23.11.2009 - (COM(2009)0254 – C7‑0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS)) - *

Committee on Culture and Education
Rapporteur: Marco Scurria

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a Council decision on the European Year of Volunteering (2011)

(COM(2009)0254 – C7‑0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2009)0254),

–   having regard to Article 308 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7‑0054/2009),

–   having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Regional Development (A7‑0077/2009),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Considers that the indicative amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceilings of heading 3b of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2007-2013 and points out that the annual amount will be decided by the Budgetary Authority within the annual budgetary procedure;

3.  Stresses that the funding of new activities should not jeopardise existing programmes or any other initiatives;

4.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

6.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

Amendment  1 Proposal for a decision Recital -1 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-1) The Treaty establishes citizenship of the Union, which complements national citizenship of the Member States and is an important element in strengthening and safeguarding the process of European integration.
Amendment  2 Proposal for a decision Recital - 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-1a) Encouraging active citizenship is a key element in strengthening cohesion and the development of democracy and Europe's role in the world.
Amendment  3 Proposal for a decision Recital -1 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(-1b) The "European Year of Voluntary Activities promoting active citizenship" will emphasise that volunteering is a key expression of active citizenship and democracy, putting European values such as solidarity and non-discrimination into action and as such contributing to the harmonious development of European societies.
Amendment  4 Proposal for a decision Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The Community and the Member States aim to promote the development of human resources with a view to a high level of employment and combating social exclusion.	(1) The Community and the Member States aim to promote the development of human resources with a view to a high level of employment and combating social exclusion by adopting measures aimed at improving knowledge, developing exchanges of information and of best practices, promoting innovative approaches and evaluating experiences.
Amendment  5 Proposal for a decision Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) Volunteering constitutes a non-formal learning experience which enables both the development of professional skills and competences as well as a major form of active civic participation. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union, and contribute to the development of human resources and to the social cohesion.	(3) Voluntary activities constitute a rich non-formal learning experience which enable the development of professional and social skills and competences, contribute to solidarity and constitute a major form of active civic participation. Volunteering promotes and encourages partnership and active citizenship, which puts European values such as solidarity and non-discrimination into action. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy and in particular participative democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union, and to the promotion of human rights within and outside the European Union. Voluntary activities have the potential to contribute to the personal growth and well-being of individuals and the harmonious development of European societies in terms of solidarity, social inclusion and prosperity. Volunteering and voluntary activities should not, however, be a substitute for paid work, although the expenses of volunteers should be adequately reimbursed.
Amendment  6 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3a) The term "voluntary activities" refers to all forms of voluntary activity, whether formal, non-formal, informal and vocational training, which are undertaken of a person's own free-will, choice and motivation, and are without concern for financial gain. They benefit the individual volunteer, communities and society as a whole. They are also a vehicle for individuals and associations to address human, social or environmental needs and concerns, especially when they are faced with emergency situations that can involve society as a whole. Such activities are often carried out in support of a non-profit organisation or community-based initiative. Voluntary activities do not replace professional, paid employment opportunities, but add value to society by virtue of their social and cultural aims.
Justification
Underline and highlight the important role played by the vocational training in the voluntary activities. Vocational training plays a key role in the personal growth and well-being of individuals, apporting an added value to the society.
Amendment  7 Proposal for a decision Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure the effectiveness of volunteer-supporting infrastructure to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is therefore important to support peer-learning and the exchange of good practices at Community level.	(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure effective support and to implement measures for voluntary activities to allow more people to engage in them. It is therefore important to support peer-learning and the exchange and development of good practices at Community, national, regional and local level, inter alia by setting up efficient systems of cooperation and networking between volunteer organisations, and especially through the establishment of a web portal.
Amendment  8 Proposal for a decision Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) The 1997 Intergovernmental Conference adopted Declaration 38 on volunteering, which was attached to the final act of the Treaty of Amsterdam and recognised the important contribution made by voluntary service activities to developing social solidarity.	(5) The 1997 Intergovernmental Conference adopted Declaration 38 on volunteering, which was attached to the final act of the Treaty of Amsterdam and recognised the important contribution made by voluntary service activities to developing social solidarity and promoting intergenerational volunteering.
Justification
Older people are living longer, are willing to volunteer and have expertise and experience to impart. In the context of demographic challenges facing the EU intergenerational volunteering will be crucial in promoting intergenerational solidarity.
Amendment  9 Proposal for a decision Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Volunteering is targeted by several community programmes that focus on mobility in volunteering, such as the European Voluntary Service of the Youth in Action programme, the Life Long Learning programme and the Europe for Citizens programme.	(12) Voluntary activities are targeted by several community programmes and networks that focus on mobility in voluntary activities for people of all ages, such as the European Voluntary Service of the Youth in Action programme, the Life Long Learning programme and the Europe for Citizens programme. Given the horizontal nature of volunteering, it will create synergies between those programmes.
Amendment  10 Proposal for a decision Recital 12 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(12a) Volunteering is an essential element in fostering active citizenship, nurturing civil society and strengthening solidarity.
Amendment  11 Proposal for a decision Recital 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) There exists a large variety of voluntary activities throughout Europe which should be preserved and developed further.	(13) There exists a large variety and long tradition of voluntary activities throughout Europe which should be protected and developed further, among other means by the creation of a cross-boarder network among the volunteering associations in the different Member States to provide a permanent platform for the exchange of experience and best practices.
Amendment  12 Proposal for a decision Recital 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13a) The European Year of Volunteering should offer an opportunity to encourage the Member States to create legal certainty for volunteers as regards their legal status.
Amendment  13 Proposal for a decision Recital 13 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13b) The EU has a significant role to play in promoting, developing and supporting voluntary activities throughout the EU. However, it is important to recognise and respect the diversity of volunteering within individual Member States.
Amendment  14 Proposal for a decision Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) Volunteering has the potential to contribute to the harmonious development of European societies. Voluntary activities constitute a rich non-formal learning experience which enhances professional skills and competences, contributes to employability and a sense of solidarity, develops social skills, smoothes integration into society and fosters civic participation.	(14) Volunteering has the potential to contribute to the harmonious development of European societies, promoting social inclusion, social well-being, combating racism and prejudice and contributing to intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
Justification
Volunteering can also play an important role in contributing to social wellbeing, helping people build connections and a sense of belonging within their communities.
Amendment  15 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a) Every individual should be enabled to volunteer. With a view to furthering individual development and participation, asylum seekers, refugees and legally resident immigrants should be increasingly enabled to play a role in volunteering activities, particularly when they are unable to be employed.
Justification
Allowing asylum seekers to engage in volunteer work while awaiting the result of their asylum procedure creates room for individual development and participation in European societies in a constructive manner, benefitting both European societies and the bonds with countries of origin.
Amendment  16 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14b) Voluntary activities constitute a rich non-formal learning experience which enhances professional skills and competences, contributes to employability by facilitating reintegration into the labour market, develops social skills and contributes to the personal growth and well-being of individuals.
Justification
Underline the relevance of volunteering. Voluntary activities can play an important role in the personal growth and well-being of individuals and contribute to the growth of the European environment in terms of solidarity.
Amendment  17 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14c) Volunteering can contribute to fighting poverty and to achieving social and economic development, through actions carried out within the European Union and in third countries.
Justification
Volunteering can contribute to social and economical development outside the EU, as many Europeans carry out voluntary activities in developing countries. From an international perspective, volunteering is an expression of solidarity with the developing world and an acknowledgement of the inter-dependence of all communities in an increasingly globalised world and the role Europe has to play in it.
Amendment  18 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 d (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14d) As part of their strategy for Corporate Social Responsibility employers could support and encourage volunteering activities.
Amendment  19 Proposal for a decision Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. A European Year of Volunteering will provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help foster a sense of belonging and commitment of citizens to their society at all levels — local, regional, national and European.	(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. Furthermore, at European level until now the work of those who volunteer in their free time has not been formally acknowledged. A European Year of Volunteering will therefore provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help to foster among citizens a sense of belonging and commitment to their society at all levels – local, regional, national and European – and to encourage Member States to combat discrimination, making it possible for foreign residents, including asylum seekers, in every Member State to work as volunteers for not-for-profit organisations or to do unpaid work.
Amendment  20 Proposal for a decision Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a) Member States should be encouraged to minimise bureaucratic constraints which hinder volunteers in carrying out voluntary activities.
Amendment  21 Proposal for a decision Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a) The European Year of Volunteering should highlight the key role played by voluntary activities, while at the same time reminding the Member States that it should be used neither as a means of meeting basic needs normally met by social services nor as a substitute for action by the public authorities.
Justification
Public authorities must not be able to use voluntary work as a low-cost alternative for the performance of duties which, in principle, should be carried out by their services and administrations.
Amendment  22 Proposal for a decision Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) The Year 2011 will be the 10th Anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers of the United Nations.	(16) 5 December is International Volunteer Day and the Year 2011 will be the 10th Anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers of the United Nations.
Amendment  23 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16a) Apart from its social role, volunteering has an economic value and makes a significant contribution to the economy.
Justification
Already over 31 countries use the UN Handbook - e.g. US, Canada, Czech Republic, Belgium etc. It is recognised as an accurate statistical tool in measuring the contribution to GDP of the Not for Profit Sector (between 5 & 8% of GDP).
Amendment  24 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16b) Volunteering plays a major role in environmental and civil protection and its contribution must be recognised and supported in every field, especially within the new democracies of the EU.
Amendment  25 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16c) The recognition of volunteering as an appropriate activity through which to acquire competences and skills, e.g. through YOUTHPASS with a linkage to EUROPASS, will ensure that volunteering is not seen as an alternative to formal training but as a complement to it, and furthermore will facilitate the mobility of volunteers.
Amendment   26 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 d (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16d) The recognition of the contribution of volunteer time as matching funding (in-kind contributions) for European and national projects would be a tangible recognition of the value of volunteer effort and would facilitate voluntary organisations in carrying out their activities.
Justification
A real issue for many voluntary groups is the need to fund raise in order to become involved in voluntary activity. This creates a barrier for the volunteers themselves and in some cases the societies expected to contribute. The use of volunteer time as matching funding in EU and national projects would greatly facilitate the work of many volunteers.
Amendment  27 Proposal for a decision Article 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The year 2011 shall be designated as the 'European Year of Volunteering' (hereinafter referred to as 'the European Year').	The year 2011 shall be designated as the 'European Year of Voluntary Activities promoting active citizenship' (hereinafter referred to as 'the European Year').
	(This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)
Amendment  28 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The overall purpose of the European Year shall be to encourage and support — notably through the exchange of experience and good practices — the efforts of the Member States, local and regional authorities and civil society to create the conditions conducive to volunteering in the European Union.	The overall purpose of the European Year shall be to encourage and support — notably through the exchange of experience and good practices and the promotion of innovative approaches and evaluating experience — the efforts of the European Union, the Member States and local and regional authorities to create the conditions for civil society conducive to volunteering in the European Union and to increase the visibility and promote the importance of voluntary activities in the European Union.
Amendment  29 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. Work towards an enabling environment for volunteering in the EU - To anchor volunteering as part of promoting civic participation and people-to-people activities in an EU context.	1. Work towards an enabling environment for volunteering in the EU - To anchor volunteering as part of promoting civic participation, partnership and people-to-people activities in an EU context.
Justification
The European Year of Volunteering must highlight the vital concept of partnership, with a view to ongoing cooperation between administrations at all levels and volunteer organisations.
Amendment  30 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering - To facilitate volunteering and to encourage networking, mobility, cooperation and synergies between volunteer organisations and other sectors in an EU context.	2. Empower volunteer organisations with respect to their aims, priorities and autonomy and improve the quality of volunteering - To promote volunteering and volunteer organisations' access to adequate, sustainable funding: by encouraging networking, mobility, cooperation and synergies between volunteer organisations and other not-for-profit sectors in an EU context; by encouraging initiatives in human and environmental emergency situations, both in terms of preventing and dealing with them and by properly educating volunteers to deal with and effectively face urgent cases; and by making it possible to put voluntary work on a permanent footing. The duty of care that volunteer organisations owe to their volunteers should be laid down in law and should incorporate adequate protection through insurance, health and safety measures and training.
Amendment  31 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations and gain more systematic recognition for volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering.	3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations - including proper health and safety cover for volunteers in the form of accident and personal liability insurance during periods of voluntary work, effective acknowledgement of the skills that volunteers acquire in the form of validation of experience and the recognition of equivalence for the purposes of training and job seeking - and gain more systematic recognition for volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering.
Amendment  32 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. Encourage international and European solidarity by promoting peace, North-South cooperation and protection of the environment, as well as recognition of the solidarity-based social economy through volunteering.
Justification
Given that the promotion of volunteering reflects a will to strengthen social cohesion both locally and at European and, indeed, international level, it must serve to encourage solidarity between nations and individuals.
Amendment  33 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development and economic cohesion.	4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development and economic and social cohesion, and to promote volunteering activities in order to make them more attractive for citizens, thus enabling them to be involved in civic activities.
Amendment  34 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4a. Draw up a White Paper on Volunteering – To foster an enabling environment for volunteering in the EU.
Amendment  35 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point 4 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4b. Foster the recognition of volunteering success both within and between Member States in order to ensure that good practice and successful volunteering strategies can easily be spread throughout the European Union.
Justification
A vital part of the European year should be to ensure that volunteering successes can be replicated throughout all the different parts and countries of the European Union.
Amendment  36 Proposal for a decision Article 3 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following initiatives organised at Community, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives of the European Year:	1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following initiatives organised at Community, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives of the European Year:
• exchange of experience and good practices;	• exchange of experience and good practices, in particular by means of efficient systems of cooperation and networking between volunteer organisations;
• dissemination of results of related studies and research;
• conferences, events and initiatives to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and to celebrate the efforts of volunteers;	• conferences, events and initiatives to promote dialogue, innovative approaches and the evaluation of experience. Raising awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and fostering transnational networks with the purpose of active debate;
• information and promotion campaigns to disseminate key messages.	• information and promotion campaigns to disseminate key messages inter alia through the use of new media and the internet and the creation of a European portal to achieve this;
	• the establishment of a European online database of the actors, organisations and stakeholders involved in a given volunteering area, including both their completed and ongoing projects and also their future initiatives, with a view to better networking and communication between them.
	• the promotion of the use of volunteer time as matching funding for European projects;
Amendment  37 Proposal for a decision Article 4 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each Member State shall ensure that the aforementioned body properly involves a wide range of stakeholders at national, regional and local level.	Each Member State shall ensure that the aforementioned body properly involves a wide range of stakeholders at national, regional and local level, particularly when drafting the national work programme and national measure(s), for the entire duration of the European Year. The funds foreseen to fulfil the objectives of the Year shall be granted to civil society organisations involved directly with voluntary activities and work. Special attention must be paid in each national programme to the simplification of administrative procedures, inter alia by facilitating access to funding for small associations with limited resources.
Justification
So as to use the funds in the best way they should be granted by the national coordinating body directly to organisations dealing with volunteers and voluntary activities.
Amendment  38 Proposal for a decision Article 5 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Member States, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions will be associated in the activities.	The Member States, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions will be closely associated in the activities in order to achieve the added value that an exchange of best practices at Community level, including between the EU institutions, entails.
Amendment  39 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 6 000 000.	1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 10 000 000.
Amendment 40 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.	2. Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework, without undermining the funding of other programmes or activities in heading 3b.
Amendment  41 Proposal for a decision Article 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
For the purpose of the European Year, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations, in particular with the United Nations and the Council of Europe, taking care to ensure the visibility of the EU’s participation.	For the purpose of the European Year, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations, in particular with the United Nations and the Council of Europe, taking care to ensure the visibility of the EU’s participation, and may also take action in order to stimulate other international organisations to enhance the volunteering dimension worldwide. In cooperation with these organisations, the Commission shall promote programmes for international volunteering aiming to encourage the exchange of best practices on volunteering in third countries.
Amendment 42 Proposal for a decision Article 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission together with the Member States shall ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are consistent with other Community, national and regional schemes and initiatives that help attain the objectives of the European Year.	The Commission together with the Member States shall ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are consistent with and complementary to other Community programmes and actions and national and regional schemes and initiatives that help attain the objectives of the European Year.
Amendment  43 Proposal for a decision Annex – point A – point 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. Information and promotion campaigns including:	1. Information and promotion campaigns including:
• high visibility events and forums for exchanging experience and good practices;	• high visibility events and forums for exchanging experience and good practices, with priority for twinning and mobility programmes, with the participation of European organisations or bodies active in the field of volunteering, representatives of employers' associations and unions, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Affairs Committee and the Committee of the Regions;
• contest with or without prizes;
• cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on the European Year of Volunteering;	• cooperation with the private sector, broadcasters and other media as partners for disseminating information on voluntary activities and the European Year;
• the production of material and tools for media available throughout the Community to stimulate public interest;	• the production of material and tools for media available throughout the Community to stimulate public interest;
• measures to publicise the results and raise the profile of Community programmes, schemes and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year of Volunteering;	• measures to publicise the results and raise the profile of Community programmes, schemes and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year;
• the establishment of an information website on Europa, including a portal for promoters of projects on volunteering, to guide them through the various Community programmes and initiatives.	• the establishment of an information website on Europa, including a portal for promoters of projects on volunteering, to guide them through the various Community programmes and initiatives, which shall be a permanent platform for interactive cooperation between different stakeholders;
	• action to make the contribution of voluntary activities to national revenue and its impact on society more visible through the inclusion of volunteering as a specific category in the statistical accounts of Eurostat and the production of 'satellite accounts' on not-for-profit organisations, in which unpaid voluntary work would be included, as well as through the celebration on 5 December each year of International Volunteering Day, as recognised by the United Nations since 1985.
Amendment  44 Proposal for a decision Annex – point A – point 2 – indent 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
- surveys and studies at Community level to assess and report on the preparation, effectiveness, impact and long-term monitoring of the European Year of Volunteering.	- surveys and studies at Community level to assess and report on the preparation, effectiveness and impact of the European Year and to lay the basis for the long-term monitoring and follow-up thereof.
Amendment  45 Proposal for a decision Annex – point C – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each National coordinator shall submit a single application for Community funding. That grant application shall describe the coordinator’s work programme or the action to be funded and promote the European Year. The grant application shall be accompanied by a detailed budget setting out the total costs of the initiatives/work programme proposed and the amount and sources of co-funding. The Community grant can cover up to 80 % of the total costs.	Each National coordinating body shall submit a single application for Community funding. That grant application shall include a description - drawn up on the basis of ongoing consultation with the volunteer organisations - of the coordinating body’s priorities and work programme or the action(s) to be funded and shall promote the European Year. The grant application shall be accompanied by a detailed budget setting out the total costs of the action(s)/work programme proposed and the amount and sources of co-funding. The Community grant can cover up to 80 % of the total costs. A possibility of in-kind contributions should be permitted in those Member States whose legislative framework permits it.
Justification
The possibility of in kind calculation should be given to beneficiary organisations in the Member States where the legislative framework allows in order to help them to obtain the grants.
Amendment  46 Proposal for a decision Annex – point C – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission shall determine the indicative amounts available for grants to each National coordinator and the final deadline for submission of the applications. The criteria should take into account the population, the cost of living and a fixed amount per Member State to guarantee a minimum level of activities.	The Commission shall determine the indicative amounts available for grants to each National coordinating body and the final deadline for submission of the applications. The criteria should take into account the population, the cost of living and a fixed amount per Member State to guarantee a minimum level of activities.
Amendment  47 Proposal for a decision Annex – point C – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The work programmes/actions shall include:	The work programmes/actions shall include:
(a) Meetings and events connected with the objectives of the European Year, including national events to launch and promote the European Year, create a catalyst effect and provide open space for debate on concrete initiatives.	(a) Meetings and events connected with the objectives of the European Year, including national events to launch and promote the European Year, create a catalyst effect and provide open space for debate on concrete initiatives.
(b) Mutual learning seminars at national, regional and local level;	(b) Conferences and thematic seminars at national, regional and local level allowing for peer-learning and exchange of good practices;
(c) Information, educational and promotional campaigns at national, regional and local level, including the organisation of awards and competitions;	(c) Information, research activities and related studies, educational and promotional campaigns at national, regional and local level;
(d) Cooperation with the media.	(d) Cooperation with the private and non-state sector and the media in disseminating information about the European Year and in undertaking actions aimed at long-term dialogue on issues related to volunteering and to vocational training activities directed at volunteers in order to render sustainable the activities even after the end of the 2011 European Year.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The basic principle

Volunteering is an important pillar of our democratic and pluralistic societies. It is an expression of active commitment and support. Volunteering covers all kinds of formal or non-formal voluntary activity which is undertaken by a person's own free will, choice and motivation without concern for financial gain. Its impact in our societies is considerable. Volunteers are active in the social or educational field, in support for the environment or development cooperation, in cultural activities, at local level as well as on missions outside their home country. To celebrate and promote the commitment of volunteers and the organisations working with volunteers as well as to help remedying the challenges that volunteering faces - such as a declining volunteer base or the move from long-term commitments to specific short-term projects - this initiative for the creation of a European Year of Volunteering is to be welcomed.

The main idea of any European Year is to create greater public awareness for a subject or a cause and to involve stakeholders concerned in a variety of events at European level and in Member States. Consequently the proposal of this legislative decision essentially establishes an operational framework through which the activities linked to the European Year can be implemented, especially as regards the allocation of the budget. Hence, this proposal is in no way intended to make any legal provisions as regards volunteering, volunteers or organisations working with volunteers nor as regards their social role or diverse legal or financial conditions that vary a lot between the Member States.

Parliament, in a declaration in 2008, had called for the designation of a European Year of Volunteering[1]. The Commission came forward with a proposal in June 2009. For the 2010 budget the Commission is planning a Preparatory Action that should pave the way for the year itself.

Legal basis and procedure

The Commission had chosen to base this initiative on Article 308 TEC. This article entails the consultation procedure whereby the Council has to wait for the Parliament's opinion - whether this is positive or negative, with or without amendments - before it can adopt the act by unanimity. In this particular case the situation is heavily influenced by the pending entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty provisions, through which the procedure would change from consultation to consent (new Art 352 TFEU). Under the consent procedure Parliament would have to approve the proposal before the Council can adopt the final act (by unanimity). If Parliament decides to vote against the proposal, however, the act cannot be adopted.

The choice of the legal basis was far from clear, especially since in the past many European Years had been adopted under Co-Decision. After having heard the parliament's Legal Service and after discussions in Committee as well as a first meeting with the Swedish Presidency, your rapporteur is inclined to accept Article 308 as the legal basis for this act and to accept the consultation procedure for the time being. This is in particular because any other Treaty Article would inevitably narrow down the scope of this action. It would mean that volunteering could not be dealt with in all its facets but would have to be limited to, say, volunteering in the field of education. This cannot be in Parliament's interest.

Objectives, implementation structure and budget

The Budget, at this stage, is EUR 6 million. Other EU programmes may be used to fund additional activities. The budget of the 2010 Preparatory Action is EUR 2 million, but there is no formal link between the two.

Four objectives are set out that this proposal should achieve:

1.  Creation of an enabling environment for voluntary activities.

2.  Improve quality of voluntary activities by empowering organisers of such activities

3.  Recognise voluntary activities

4.  Raise awareness of the importance of voluntary activities

To achieve these objectives certain initiatives should be undertaken, namely:

§ exchanges of experiences and good practices

§ studies and research

§ conferences, events to promote debate and raise awareness

§ information and promotion campaigns

These initiatives should take place at European level as well as in Member States (at national, regional and local level).

In order to involve Member States and to coordinate activities of Member States with the activities at EU level, in each Member State a national coordinating body should be designated by Member States which coordinates the activities in Member States. The national body is supposed to prepare a work programme or action plan. It receives EU co-funding according to the size of the Member States' population and costs of living and according to the work programme. The co-funding of national initiatives can reach up to 80% of the total cost. This is the maximum co-funding rate the EU Financial Regulation allows for.

Amendments suggested by your rapporteur:

The Budget (Art 7)

EUR 6 million is not sufficient to achieve the objectives (the European Year 2010 on fight against poverty and social inclusion has a budget of EUR 17 million). The fact that other programmes might be used for funding activities would take funds from these programmes that could be used elsewhere. An increase of the budget to EUR 10 million is therefore necessary in order to boost the impact of the year.

The objectives (Art 2)

The fact that the Year should raise greater awareness for the importance of volunteering for European societies should be highlighted. Equally the goal of making voluntary activities more attractive for people should be made more explicit.

The initiatives (Art 3)

Your rapporteur does not consider the dissemination of studies a priority, especially seeing that the Commission is about to publish an important study on volunteering at the end of 2009 already. The funds should instead be used for the setting-up of a data base for volunteers and voluntary organisations, interactive and accessible to all stakeholders, that would remain after the year and would become a reference point for interested people and organisations throughout the EU.

The role of the national coordinating body and definition of national initiatives (Art 4, Annex)

The EU will grant co-funding to national initiatives. In return it can be expected that Member States follow the objectives set out in this Decision. So far, the definition of the initiatives in Member States is rather vague. The Annex therefore needs to be improved by adding clearer rules on the activities in Member States that are supposed to be co-funded.

The national coordinating body will be responsible for channelling the EU funds to the national initiatives and to coordinate national initiatives. It presents to the Commission a work programme. This work programme should be assessed properly before deciding on the final amount of the grant. It should also be made sure that the national body cooperates with relevant stakeholders already at the planning stage. Also, reporting elements should be strengthened, especially since no comitology is foreseen at this stage.

The maximum rate of co-funding (Annex)

EU co-funding of national activities can take up to 80%. This is the maximum rate allowed by the EU financial rules. More activities could be undertaken if the share of non-EU funding would be increased. Therefore your rapporteur proposes to limit EU-funding for national initiatives to 65%.

The title and the recitals

Parliament's legal service pointed to the fact that the justification for the use of Art 308 needs to be strengthened; the proposal also needs to be brought more in line with competences the Treaties grant to the EU. Therefore several amendments are tabled to modify the title as well as certain recitals.

• [1]  Written Declaration 0030/2008 of 15 July 2008.

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (17.11.2009)

for the Committee on Culture and Education

on the proposal for a Council decision on European Year of Volunteering (2011)
(COM(2009)0254 – C7‑0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS))

Rapporteur: Barbara Matera

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

Commission's proposal

The Commission's proposal refers to the designation of the year 2011 as the "European Year of Volunteering". Its aim is to encourage and support - through the exchange of experience and good practices, communication and awareness-raising measures - the efforts of Member States, local and regional authorities and the civil society to create the conditions conductive to volunteering in Europe.

The European Year of Volunteering should be implemented in close cooperation with the Member States, the EU Institutions and with civil society organisations at the different levels. Coordination at EU level would add a European dimension and help increase the impact of the European Year of Volunteering in the terms of awareness-raising, visibility and transnational exchange of ideas and good practice.

This proposal is in line with the European Parliament declaration of 15 July 2008, calling for the designation of 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering (Written declaration 30/2008) and EP resolution of 22 April 2008 on the role of volunteering in contributing to economic and social cohesion.

Budgetary aspects

The Commission has proposed to allocate EUR 6.000.000 in commitments and payments to the European Year of Volunteering under the budget 2011.

In order to carry out the preparatory work, the Commission has proposed within the PDB 2010 a preparatory action: European Year of Volunteering (2011). A new budget line 15 06 11 has been created to this effect, with EUR 2 million in commitments and EUR 1,2 million in payments. The European Parliament 1st reading approved this preparatory action and increased the amounts by EUR 1 million, both in commitments and payments. The final amount of appropriations being now of EUR 3 million in commitments and EUR 2,2 million in payments for the budget 2010.

Within the framework of the EU budget, volunteering is supported as well through several community programmes such as Youth in action (European Voluntary Service), the Lifelong Learning programme, the Europe for Citizens programme, mainly by promoting the mobility of volunteers. Organisations active in this field are also receiving EU support in the field of humanitarian aid, development policy, human rights, health and environment and consumer protection. Nevertheless, the execution of these actions follows rather a sectorial and/or thematic approach.

The European Year of Volunteering should give the opportunity to better coordinate the implementation of volunteering actions, supported by different Community programmes. Exchanging experience and good practices at the EU level would, therefore, considerably increase their overall visibility and impact.

While supporting this proposal, your Draftswoman would like to recall that the margin of the heading 3b is very tight and the funding of new activities should not create difficulties for the implementation of existing programmes within the heading 3b. Thus, your Draftsperson stresses that this reality should duly be taken in consideration when revising the multiannual financial framework 2007-2013.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1 Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new)
Draft legislative resolution	Amendment
	1a. Considers that the indicative amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceilings of heading 3b of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2007-2013 and points out that the annual amount will be decided by the Budgetary Authority within the annual budgetary procedure.
Amendment  2 Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 b (new)
Draft legislative resolution	Amendment
	1b. Stresses that the funding of new activities should not jeopardise existing programmes or any other initiatives.
Amendment  3 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 6 000 000.	1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 8 000 000.
Justification
The budget resources earmarked by the Commission to achieve the objectives set out in the proposal to designate 2011 as European Year of Volunteering are inadequate (EUR 17 m were allocated to the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion). The argument that other programmes can be used to fund the measures could be put forward in any area. It is therefore not sufficient to justify such limited resources. Funding should instead be raised to EUR 10 m in order to increase the impact and effectiveness of this Year.
Amendment  4 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.	2. Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework, without undermining the funding of other programmes or activities in heading 3b.
Amendment  5 Proposal for a decision Article 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The Commission together with the Member States shall ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are consistent with other Community, national and regional schemes and initiatives that help attain the objectives of the European Year.	The Commission together with the Member States shall ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are consistent with and complementary to other Community programmes and actions, national and regional schemes and initiatives that help attain the objectives of the European Year.

PROCEDURE

Title	European Year of Volunteering (2011)
References	COM(2009)0254 – C7-0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS)
Committee responsible	CULT
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	BUDG 14.7.2009
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Barbara Matera 21.10.2009
Discussed in committee	4.11.2009		16.11.2009
Date adopted	16.11.2009
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	32 1 0
Members present for the final vote	Marta Andreasen, Francesca Balzani, Reimer Böge, Lajos Bokros, Giovanni Collino, Isabelle Durant, Göran Färm, José Manuel Fernandes, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Jens Geier, Ivars Godmanis, Ingeborg Gräßle, Estelle Grelier, Jutta Haug, Monika Hohlmeier, Sidonia Elżbieta Jędrzejewska, Anne E. Jensen, Ivailo Kalfin, Sergej Kozlík, Alain Lamassoure, Janusz Lewandowski, Barbara Matera, Claudio Morganti, Miguel Portas, Dominique Riquet, László Surján
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	François Alfonsi, Maria Da Graça Carvalho, Frédéric Daerden, Roberto Gualtieri, Giovanni La Via, Derek Vaughan
Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote	Cecilia Wikström

OPINION of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (5.11.2009)

for the Committee on Culture and Education

on the proposal for a Council decision on the European Year of Volunteering (2011)
(COM(2009)0254 – C7‑0054/2009 – 2009/0072/CNS))

Rapporteur: Marian Harkin

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

1. Approximately 100 million EU citizens volunteer. The European Year on Volunteering 2011 will be an opportunity for the EU and Member States to recognise, facilitate, support and celebrate volunteering. Volunteering is undertaken of a persons own free will, choice and motivation and is without concern for financial gain. Voluntary activities should not replace paid professional opportunities but they benefit the individual volunteer communities and society as a whole.

2. All sectors and all ages can choose to volunteer as outlined in the Commission's Demography Report 2008: "Meeting Social Needs in an Ageing Society". This may be to support a specific project or it may be on a regular basis. Volunteering may involve hands on participation or it may be a transfer of knowledge or expertise via the Internet. Member States need to recognise the huge potential and diversity of voluntary activity and use the opportunities presented by 2011 as a learning opportunity to exchange information and best practice and use these tools to support voluntary action and create an enabling volunteer infrastructure for all citizens wishing to volunteer.

3. It is important that we make every effort to fully engage volunteers and to ensure we gain the maximum synergies between existing EU programmes (e.g. Europe for Citizens, Youth in Action and the Action Programme in the field of Life Long Learning) and actions undertaken during 2011. It is important to promote synergies between the previous and subsequent "years" (i.e. 2010 Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and 2012 (proposed) Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity). A further link with the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Greece will further increase the visibility and recognition of volunteering.

However, while we are restricted in the action proposed by the Commission we can take there are a few practical steps we can take to further enhance the outcomes from 2011:

a. Encourage each Member State especially in the new democraties within the EU Member States to compile data on the voluntary/non profit institutions. Already 6 Member States have implemented the UN Handbook on Non Profit Institutions and agreement has been reached for the introduction of an ILO Manual in conjunction with John Hopkins University on the measurement of volunteer work. These are two very valuable tools in measuring the economic value of volunteering and ensuring comparative data from different Member States on the scope, scale and distribution of voluntary activity.

b. Promote the use of volunteer time as matching funding in all EU projects and encourage Member States to do likewise with National projects.

c. Ensure the participation of the voluntary/community sector in the consultation, decision making and subsequent operation of the Structural, Cohesion and the Rural Development Funds. The partnership principle enshrined in the Community Strategic Guidelines is not always adhered to and the European Commission has a responsibility to ensure that its own policies and procedures as written are implemented.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1 Proposal for a decision Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The Community and the Member States aim to promote the development of human resources with a view to a high level of employment and combating social exclusion.	(1) The Community and the Member States aim to promote the development of human resources with a view to a high level of employment and combating social exclusion by adopting measures aimed at improving knowledge, developing exchanges of information and of best practices, promoting innovative approaches and evaluating experiences.
Amendment  2 Proposal for a decision Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) Volunteering constitutes a non-formal learning experience which enables both the development of professional skills and competences as well as a major form of active civic participation. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union, and contribute to the development of human resources and to the social cohesion.	(3) Volunteering promotes and encourages partnership and active citizenship which puts European values such as solidarity and non-discrimination into action. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy - in particular participative democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union.
Justification
True democracy encompasses representative democracy (politicians) and participative democracy (citizens who influence by participating and by action).
The amendment highlights and underlines the key role played by volunteering in the current social environment. Citizens that actively take part in the construction of European societies should be supported in their activity. Volunteering plays a key element in the current social context.
Amendment  3 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(3a) Active engagement in voluntary activities, particularly in a period of economic crisis and increased unemployment, provides concrete support to people to avoid marginalisation and facilitate social integration and integration into the labour market.
Amendment  4 Proposal for a decision Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure the effectiveness of volunteer supporting infrastructure to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is therefore important to support peer-learning and the exchange of good practices at Community level.	(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure the effectiveness of volunteer supporting infrastructure to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is also important to support and facilitate peer-learning and the exchange of good practices at Community level.
Amendment  5 Proposal for a decision Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) The 1997 Intergovernmental Conference adopted Declaration 38 on volunteering,5 which was attached to the final act of the Treaty of Amsterdam and recognised the important contribution made by voluntary service activities to developing social solidarity.	(5) The 1997 Intergovernmental Conference adopted Declaration 38 on volunteering,5 which was attached to the final act of the Treaty of Amsterdam and recognised the important contribution made by voluntary service activities to developing social solidarity and promoting intergenerational volunteering.
Justification
Older people are living longer, are willing to volunteer and have expertise and experience to impart. In the context of demographic challenges facing the EU intergenerational volunteering will be crucial in promoting intergenerational solidarity.
Amendment  6 Proposal for a decision Recital 12
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(12) Volunteering is targeted by several community programmes that focus on mobility in volunteering, such as the European Voluntary Service of the Youth in Action programme, the Life Long Learning programme and the Europe for Citizens programme.	(12) Volunteering is targeted by several community programmes that focus on mobility in volunteering, such as the European Voluntary Service of the Youth in Action programme, the Life Long Learning programme and the Europe for Citizens programme. Given the horizontal nature of volunteering, it will create synergies between the above-mentioned programmes.
Amendment  7 Proposal for a decision Recital 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) There exists a large variety of voluntary activities throughout Europe which should be preserved and developed further.	deleted
Amendment  8 Proposal for a decision Recital 13 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13a) The EU has a significant role to play in promoting, developing and supporting voluntary activities throughout the EU. However, it is important to recognise and respect the diversity of volunteering within individual Member States.
Amendment  9 Proposal for a decision Recital 13 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(13b) The European Year of Volunteering should offer an opportunity to encourage Member States to create legal certainty for volunteers as regards their legal status and the working conditions based on the UN and ILO definitions of volunteering.
Amendment  10 Proposal for a decision Recital 14
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) Volunteering has the potential to contribute to the harmonious development of European societies. Voluntary activities constitute a rich non-formal learning experience which enhances professional skills and competences, contributes to employability and a sense of solidarity, develops social skills, smoothes integration into society and fosters civic participation.	(14) Volunteering has the potential to contribute to the harmonious development of European societies, promoting social inclusion, social well-being, combating racism and prejudice and contributing to intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
Justification
Volunteering can also play an important role in contributing to social wellbeing, helping people build connections and a sense of belonging within their communities.
Amendment  11 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a) Voluntary activities constitute a rich non-formal learning experience which enhances professional skills and competences, contributes to employability by facilitating reintegration into the labour market, develops social skills and contributes to the personal growth and well-being of individuals.
Justification
Underline the relevance of volunteering. Voluntary activities can play an important role in the personal growth and well-being of individuals and contribute to the growth of the European environment in terms of solidarity.
Amendment  12 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14b) Voluntary activities must not replace professional paid employment but add value and enhance quality of life. In respecting this, voluntary activities should neither substitute the responsibility of public authorities as regards universal services nor be misused as a means of meeting basic social service needs.
Amendment  13 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14c) As part of their strategy for Corporate Social Responsibility employers could support and encourage volunteering activities .
Amendment  14 Proposal for a decision Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. A European Year of Volunteering will provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help foster a sense of belonging and commitment of citizens to their society at all levels – local, regional, national and European.	(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. A European Year of Volunteering will provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help to foster among citizens a sense of belonging and commitment to their society at all levels – local, regional, national and European – and to encourage Member States to make it possible for foreign residents in every Member State to work as volunteers for not-for-profit organisations or to do unpaid work.
Justification
If volunteering is intended to strengthen social cohesion in Europe, it must serve to combat discrimination in all its forms and must therefore have a status which makes it accessible to all residents in every Member State, including the nationals of third countries and countries which do not have partnerships with the EU.
Amendment  15 Proposal for a decision Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a) To further realise the potential of volunteering, Member States could consider promoting measures that could lead to the recognition of volunteering work when calculating pensions.
Justification
Based on the experience with the voluntary service (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr) in Germany, for instance, this has proved to be an efficient as well as necessary instrument.
Amendment  16 Proposal for a decision Recital 16
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) The Year 2011 will be the 10th Anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers of the United Nations.	(16) The Year 2011 will be the 10th Anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers of the United Nations and will also coincide with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. Given the crucial role of volunteers in supporting the Special Olympics, there is a real opportunity for creating synergies in this regard.
Amendment  17 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16a) Volunteering plays a major role in environmental and civil protection and its contribution must be recognised and supported in every field, especially within the new democracies of the EU.
Amendment  18 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16b) The recognition of volunteering as an appropriate activity through which to acquire competences and skills, e.g. through YOUTHPASS with a linkage to EUROPASS, will ensure that volunteering is not seen as an alternative to formal training but a complement to it and furthermore it will facilitate the mobility of volunteers.
Amendment  19 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16c) Apart from its social role, volunteering has an economic value and makes a significant contribution to the economy.
Justification
Already over 31 countries use the UN Handbook - e.g. US, Canada, Czech Republic, Belgium etc. It is recognised as an accurate statistical tool in measuring the contribution to GDP of the Not for Profit Sector (between 5 & 8% of GDP).
Amendment  20 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 d (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16d)Volunteering plays a vital role in preserving the stability and cohesion of societies and makes a significant economic contribution in a period of economic crisis, supporting people in their reintegration into the labour market.
Amendment   21 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 e (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(16e) The recognition of the contribution of volunteer time as matching funding (in-kind contributions) for European and national projects would be a tangible recognition of the value of volunteer effort and would facilitate voluntary organisations in carrying out their activities.
Justification
A real issue for many voluntary groups is the need to fund raise in order to become involved in voluntary activity. This creates a barrier for the volunteers themselves and in some cases the societies expected to contribute. The use of volunteer time as matching funding in EU and national projects would greatly facilitate the work of many volunteers.
Amendment  22 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
The overall purpose of the European Year shall be to encourage and support — notably through the exchange of experience and good practices — the efforts of the Member States, local and regional authorities and civil society to create the conditions conducive to volunteering in the European Union.	The overall purpose of the European Year shall be to encourage and support — notably through the exchange of experience and good practices and the promotion of innovative approaches and evaluating experiences — the efforts of the European Union, the Member States, local and regional authorities and civil society to create the conditions conducive to volunteering in the European Union.
Amendment  23 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations and gain more systematic recognition for volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering.	3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations including proper health and safety cover for volunteers in the form of accident and personal liability insurance during periods of voluntary work according to the national customs and traditions and to gain more systematic recognition for volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering. Certified past activities for volunteering organisations can also be considered as a positive feature of careers in the public sector
Justification
This amendment put emphasis on the further requirement for the public sector apart from individuals, private sectors and civil societies in order to strengthen the policy of the persons worked for this sector, therefore they must be considered open minded and open for the problems and needs of people in needs. With this solution the public sector may get more people committed to real people and their real problems and not to the people only learnt at the universities.
Amendment  24 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – point 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. Encourage international and European solidarity by promoting peace, North-South cooperation and protection of the environment, as well as recognition of the solidarity-based social economy through volunteering.
Justification
Given that the promotion of volunteering reflects a will to strengthen social cohesion both locally and at European and, indeed, international level, it must serve to encourage solidarity between nations and individuals.
Amendment  25 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – point 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development, economic cohesion.	4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development, economic cohesion, intercultural, interethnic as well as inter-religious dialogue and social integration.
Amendment  26 Proposal for a decision Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
· conferences, events and initiatives to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and to celebrate the efforts of volunteers;	· conferences, events and initiatives to promoting debate, innovative approaches ansd the evaluation of experiences. Raising awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and to celebrate the efforts of volunteers;
Amendment  27 Proposal for a decision Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	· Promote the use of volunteer time as matching funding in European projects;
Amendment  28 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 6 000 000.	1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 12 000 000.

PROCEDURE

Title	European Year of Volunteering (2011)
References	COM(2009)0254 – C7-0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS)
Committee responsible	CULT
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	EMPL 17.9.2009
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Marian Harkin 21.7.2009
Discussed in committee	4.11.2009
Date adopted	5.11.2009
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	45 0 1
Members present for the final vote	Edit Bauer, Mara Bizzotto, David Casa, Alejandro Cercas, Ole Christensen, Derek Roland Clark, Sergio Gaetano Cofferati, Tadeusz Cymański, Frédéric Daerden, Karima Delli, Frank Engel, Sari Essayah, Richard Falbr, Ilda Figueiredo, Pascale Gruny, Thomas Händel, Marian Harkin, Roger Helmer, Nadja Hirsch, Vincenzo Iovine, Danuta Jazłowiecka, Veronica Lope Fontagné, Olle Ludvigsson, Elizabeth Lynne, Thomas Mann, Elisabeth Morin-Chartier, Rovana Plumb, Konstantinos Poupakis, Sylvana Rapti, Elisabeth Schroedter, Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska, Jutta Steinruck, Traian Ungureanu
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Georges Bach, Udo Bullmann, Silvia Costa, Jürgen Creutzmann, Kinga Göncz, Joe Higgins, Gesine Meissner, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Andres Perello Rodriguez, Csaba Sógor, Emilie Turunen, Tatjana Ždanoka, Gabriele Zimmer

OPINION of the Committee on Regional Development (5.11.2009)

for the Committee on Culture and Education

on the proposal for a Council Decision on the European Year of Volunteering (2011)
(COM(2009)0254 – C7-0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS))

Rapporteur: Karima Delli

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Commission has decided to make 2011 the European Year of Volunteering. Its current proposal gives effect to Parliament's Declaration of 2 September 2008 on announcing 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering. The overall purpose of the European Year will be to encourage and support exchanges of experience and good practice and the efforts of the Member States, regional and local authorities and civil society to create conditions conducive to volunteering in the European Union.

The Commission regards volunteering as an active expression of civic participation reinforcing our shared European values: it should be a means of promoting such basic values as citizenship, solidarity, the defence of our shared heritage and non-discrimination. It plays an important role in sectors as diverse as education, youth, culture, sport, the environment, health, social assistance, consumer protection, humanitarian aid, development policy, research, equal opportunities and external relations. Volunteering can also contribute to the harmonious development of our societies.

Article 2 of the proposal for a decision sets out four aims. The practical measures to be taken for their attainment are detailed in Article 3 and include initiatives organised at Community, national, regional and local levels.

The Commission is also proposing to give the European Year of Volunteering a budget of EUR 6 million and to earmark EUR 2 million in the 2010 preliminary draft budget for preparatory work.

In addition, the European Year of Volunteering ought to afford an opportunity to assert or reassert certain key principles that are either not mentioned or not properly spelled out in the Commission's text.

The amendments we are proposing are therefore intended to:

· clarify the legal status of volunteering;

· ensure that volunteers are properly protected in terms of safety at work, health and social cover;

· facilitate the validation of experience acquired and the recognition of equivalence for the purposes of training and job seeking;

· make it possible for volunteer organisations to be VAT-exempt in order to encourage as many non-commercial organisations as possible to use volunteers;

· make it easier for volunteer organisations to access adequate, sustainable funding, without subjecting them to too much red tape, while at the same time maintaining proper supervision of the use of public money and placing time-limits on voluntary work;

· combat all forms of discrimination;

· encourage volunteering as a means of promoting peace, North-South cooperation and protection of the environment, as well as developing – and affording recognition to – the solidarity-based social economy;

· institute a permanent working partnership with volunteer organisations and create a stable institutional framework for their involvement in public consultation. The Commission must take the administrative and institutional steps needed to ensure that the principle of partnership, contained in the Community's strategic guidelines on cohesion and rural development, is observed and applied;

· ensure that the 2011 European Year of Volunteering has a big enough budget to be a success;

· have volunteering included as a specific category in Eurostat's statistical accounts, with the regular production of 'satellite accounts' on non-profit institutions, in which voluntary unpaid work would be included.

It is also important not to be content with a single year. Shared objectives in relation to volunteering activities will have to be pursued beyond the 2011 European Year of Volunteering. In its resolution of 22 April 2008 on the role of volunteering in contributing to economic and social cohesion, Parliament has already recommended measures to be taken by the European Union, the Member States and regional and local authorities within their respective remits.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Regional Development calls on the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1 Proposal for a decision Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) Volunteering constitutes a non-formal learning experience which enables both the development of professional skills and competences as well as a major form of active civic participation. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union, and contribute to the development of human resources and to the social cohesion.	(3) Volunteering constitutes a non-formal learning experience which enables both the development of professional skills and competences as well as a major form of active civic participation. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy, one of the founding principles of the European Union, and contribute to the development of human resources and to social cohesion. Volunteering and voluntary activities should not, however, be a substitute for paid work although the expenses of volunteers should be adequately reimbursed.
Justification
Voluntary work done under the aegis of non-profit organisations cannot be allowed to be a ready substitute for waged work. Companies must not be able to use voluntary work as a low-cost alternative for the performance of duties which, in principle, should be carried out by their workforce. Voluntary organisations must undertake to cover expenses (meals or possibly accommodation, etc.) incurred by volunteers in carrying out their tasks.
Amendment  2 Proposal for a decision Recital 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure the effectiveness of volunteer-supporting infrastructure to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is therefore important to support peer-learning and the exchange of good practices at Community level.	(4) In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure the effectiveness of volunteer-supporting infrastructure to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is therefore important to support peer-learning and the exchange of good practices at Community, national, regional and local level, inter alia by setting up efficient systems of cooperation and networking between volunteer organisations.
Amendment  3 Proposal for a decision Recital 8 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a) In its White Paper on Sport of 11 July 2007 (COM(2007)0391), the Commission emphasised that volunteer organisations engaged in sporting activities provide many occasions for non-formal education which need to be recognised and enhanced. Sport also provides attractive possibilities for young people's engagement and involvement in society and may have a beneficial effect in helping to steer people away from idleness.
Justification
Sport, especially at the grassroots level, is one of the primary conduits of voluntary activity in the EU. Accordingly, due recognition should be given to the role of sport in promoting volunteering, and the priority given to it in the Commission White Paper on Sport.
Amendment  4 Proposal for a decision Recital 12 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(12a) Volunteering is an essential element in fostering active citizenship, nurturing civil society and strengthening solidarity.
Amendment  5 Proposal for a decision Recital 13
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) There exists a large variety of voluntary activities throughout Europe which should be preserved and developed further.	(13) There exists a large variety of voluntary activities throughout Europe which should be preserved and developed further, inter alia by creating a cross-border network of the volunteering associations in the different Member States to provide a permanent platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices.
Justification
The creation of permanent, cross-border networks in the field of volunteering could be one of the enduring legacies of the European Year.
Amendment  6 Proposal for a decision Recital 15
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. A European Year of Volunteering will provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help foster a sense of belonging and commitment of citizens to their society at all levels – local, regional, national and European.	(15) Despite this, the potential of volunteering is still not fully realised. A European Year of Volunteering will provide the opportunity to demonstrate in a European context that volunteering increases civic participation. It can help to foster among citizens a sense of belonging and commitment to their society at all levels – local, regional, national and European – and to combat discrimination, making it possible for foreign residents in every Member State, including those whose status does not permit them to engage in paid labour, to do paid work for not-for-profit organisations or to do unpaid work. This in turn will facilitate interaction between European citizens and foreign residents living in their community in a formal and constructive setting, helping to prevent the spread of xenophobia.
Justification
If volunteering is intended to strengthen social cohesion in Europe, it must serve to combat discrimination and must therefore be accessible to all residents in every Member State, including nationals of third countries and countries which do not have partnerships with the EU. Positive exchanges between EU citizens and nationals of third countries living in EU Member States will help to thwart the spread of racism within those communities, and will further solidarity among its residents both European and non-European.
Amendment  7 Proposal for a decision Recital 15 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(15a) The European Year of Volunteering should highlight the key role played by voluntary activities, while at the same time reminding the Member States that it should be used neither as a means of meeting basic needs normally met by social services nor as a substitute for action by the public authorities.
Justification
Public authorities must not be able to use voluntary work as a low-cost alternative for the performance of duties which, in principle, should be carried out by their services and administrations.
Amendment  8 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. Work towards an enabling environment for volunteering in the EU - To anchor volunteering as part of promoting civic participation and people-to-people activities in an EU context.	1. Work towards an enabling environment for volunteering in the EU - To anchor volunteering as part of promoting civic participation, partnership and people-to-people activities in an EU context.
Justification
The European Year of Volunteering must highlight the vital concept of partnership, with a view to ongoing cooperation between administrations at all levels and volunteer organisations.
Amendment  9 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 2
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering - To facilitate volunteering and to encourage networking, mobility, cooperation and synergies between volunteer organisations and other sectors in an EU context.	2. Empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering - To promote volunteering and volunteer organisations' access to adequate, sustainable funding by encouraging networking, mobility, cooperation and synergies between volunteer organisations and other not-for-profit sectors in an EU context, and by making it possible to put voluntary work on a permanent footing. The duty of care that volunteer organisations owe to their volunteers should be laid down in law and should incorporate adequate protection through insurance, health and safety measures and training.
Justification
If volunteer organisations are to have the resources they need to function, they must be able to access funding of a sustainable nature, which is guaranteed to last. Emphasis also needs to be placed on the non-profit nature of voluntary activity and the importance of putting it on a permanent footing so that it can constitute a real vocational option and, indeed, a life choice.
Amendment  10 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To encourage appropriate incentives for individuals, companies and volunteer-development organisations and gain more systematic recognition for volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers for skills and competences developed through volunteering.	3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities - To oversee the introduction of appropriate incentives for individuals, companies, sports associations and volunteer-development organisations. For individuals, this includes the validation of experience and the recognition of equivalence for the purposes of training and job seeking through the introduction of a system of pan-European certification of skills and competences gained through volunteering. This will establish a more systematic recognition of volunteering at EU level and in the Member States by policy makers, civil society organisations and employers.
Justification
Volunteers must be offered recognition of their work through validation of the skills they acquire. A documentation of merit, recognised across the Union, with a grading system based on the duration of service, level of responsibility held and skills demanded by, and developed within the post, will facilitate those who give their time in the voluntary sector by transferring this contribution into an asset which can later be used in the search for paid work. VAT exemption for volunteer organisations will encourage the growth of volunteering.
Due recognition must be given to the central role of grass roots sports organisations throughout the EU as motors of voluntary activity.
Amendment  11 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. Encourage international and European solidarity by promoting peace, North-South cooperation and protection of the environment through volunteering.
Justification
Given that the promotion of volunteering reflects a will to strengthen social cohesion both locally and at European and, indeed, international level, it must serve to encourage solidarity between nations and individuals.
Amendment  12 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development and economic cohesion	4. Raise awareness of the social and economic value and importance of volunteering - To raise general awareness of the social and economic importance of volunteering as an expression of civic participation which contributes to issues which are of common concern of all Member States, such as a harmonious societal development and social and economic cohesion, and to promote voluntary activities in order to make them more attractive for citizens, enabling them to start to be involved in civic commitments.
Justification
Following on from the March 2008 European Parliament Report on the 'Role of volunteering in contributing to social and economic cohesion', due recognition must be given to the social as well as economic importance of this activity.
Amendment  13 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4a. Celebrate and promote diversity among the citizens of the European Union who engage in voluntary activities - To challenge commonly held stereotypes of 'volunteers' in order to raise awareness of the diversity of the participants engaged in voluntary activities across Europe and encourage citizens from all backgrounds, of all races, of all skills and abilities, and of all ages to become involved in voluntary activities in their community, and to promote volunteering as an activity open to all.
Justification
The perceived stereotype of a "volunteer"- often characterized by a person of a certain age and gender, prohibits many people from thinking of themselves as a potential volunteer- and from going out and seeking volunteering opportunities within their communities. Challenging these stereotypes and expanding people's views on what constitutes volunteering work and who volunteers - partly by international comparisons - should be included as one of the key aims of the European Year on Volunteering.
Amendment  14 Proposal for a decision Article 3 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following initiatives organised at Community, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives of the European Year:	1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following initiatives organised at Community, national, regional or local level linked to the objectives of the European Year:
• exchange of experience and good practices;	• exchange of experience and good practices notably by means of efficient systems of cooperation and networking between volunteer organisations;
• dissemination of results of related studies and research;
• conferences, events and initiatives to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and to celebrate the efforts of volunteers;	• conferences, events and initiatives to promote dialogue and raise awareness of the importance and value of volunteering and to foster transnational networks for the purpose of active debate;
• information and promotion campaigns to disseminate key messages.	• information and promotion campaigns to disseminate key messages;
	• establishment of a European database of the stakeholders and organisations involved in voluntary activities;
	• benefiting from synergies with other areas of EU action, such as in the areas of Youth in Action, the European Social Fund and sport, in order to promote active citizenship.
Justification
The dissemination of studies should not be a priority, especially in light of the fact that the Commission is about to publish an important study on volunteering at the end of 2009. Funds instead should be used for the setting up of a database for volunteers and voluntary organisations. Synergies should be sought, where possible, with other EU initiatives and programmes to attain the maximum impact for the European Year.
Amendment  15 Proposal for a decision Article 7 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 6 000 000.	1. The budget for implementing this Decision for the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 is EUR 10 000 000.
Justification
EUR 6 million is not sufficient to achieve the objectives (the European Year 2010 on fight against poverty and social inclusion has a budget of EUR 17 million). The fact that other programmes might be used for funding activities would take funds from these programmes that could be used elsewhere. An increase of the budget to EUR 10 million is therefore necessary in order to boost the impact of the year.
Amendment  16 Proposal for a decision Annex – Section A – point 1 – indent 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
• high visibility events and forums for exchanging experience and good practices;	• high visibility events and forums for exchanging experiences and good practices, giving priority to twinning and mobility programmes;
Justification
Twinning and mobility programmes could serve as a focal point for the European Year, but also foster links which could be built on in the future, to ensure the legacy of the Year.
Amendment  17 Proposal for a decision Annex – Section A – point 1 – indent 6 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	· action to make the contribution of voluntary activities to national revenue and its impact on society more visible through the inclusion of volunteering as a specific category in the statistical accounts of Eurostat and the production of 'satellite accounts' on not-for-profit organisations, in which unpaid voluntary work would be included, as well as through the celebration on 5 December each year of International Volunteering Day, as recognised by the United Nations since 1985.
Justification
In its resolution on the role of volunteering in contributing to economic and social cohesion, Parliament has already recommended that volunteering be included as a specific category in Eurostat's statistical accounts and that regular 'satellite accounts' on non-profit institutions be produced, in which voluntary unpaid work would be included. The European Institutions should spread the message of the UN's International Volunteer Day.
Amendment  18 Proposal for a decision Annex – Section C – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Each National coordinator shall submit a single application for Community funding. That grant application shall describe the coordinator’s work programme or the action to be funded and promote the European Year. The grant application shall be accompanied by a detailed budget setting out the total costs of the initiatives/work programme proposed and the amount and sources of co-funding. The Community grant can cover up to 80 % of the total costs.	Each National coordinator shall submit a single application for Community funding. That grant application shall include a description - drawn up on the basis of ongoing consultation with the volunteer organisations - of the coordinator’s work programme or the action to be funded and promote the European Year. The grant application shall be accompanied by a detailed budget setting out the total costs of the initiatives/work programme proposed and the amount and sources of co-funding. The Community grant can cover up to 80 % of the total costs.
Justification
The volunteer organisations must be fully involved, in a spirit of partnership, in developing each programme.

PROCEDURE

Title	European Year of Volunteering (2011)
References	COM(2009)0254 – C7-0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS)
Committee responsible	CULT
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	REGI 14.7.2009
Rapporteur        Date appointed	Karima Delli 2.9.2009
Discussed in committee	6.10.2009
Date adopted	4.11.2009
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	38 1 2
Members present for the final vote	François Alfonsi, Luís Paulo Alves, Catherine Bearder, Victor Boştinaru, Philip Bradbourn, Sophie Briard Auconie, Zuzana Brzobohatá, John Bufton, Salvatore Caronna, Ricardo Cortés Lastra, Tamás Deutsch, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Elie Hoarau, Seán Kelly, Constanze Angela Krehl, Petru Constantin Luhan, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Erminia Mazzoni, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Franz Obermayr, Wojciech Michał Olejniczak, Markus Pieper, Monika Smolková, Georgios Stavrakakis, Csanád Szegedi, Nuno Teixeira, Michael Theurer, Michail Tremopoulos, Oldřich Vlasák, Kerstin Westphal, Hermann Winkler, Joachim Zeller,
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Karima Delli, Ivars Godmanis, Andrey Kovatchev, Veronica Lope Fontagné, Marek Henryk Migalski, Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid, Vilja Savisaar, Elisabeth Schroedter, Sabine Verheyen

PROCEDURE

Title	European Year of Volunteering (2011)
References	COM(2009)0254 – C7-0054/2009 – 2009/0072(CNS)
Date of consulting Parliament	6.7.2009
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	CULT 14.7.2009
Committee(s) asked for opinion(s)        Date announced in plenary	BUDG 14.7.2009		EMPL 17.9.2009		REGI 14.7.2009		LIBE 14.7.2009
Not delivering opinions        Date of decision	LIBE 3.9.2009
Rapporteur(s)        Date appointed	Marco Scurria 5.10.2009
Discussed in committee	10.11.2009		23.11.2009
Date adopted	23.11.2009
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	32 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Maria Badia i Cutchet, Malika Benarab-Attou, Piotr Borys, Silvia Costa, Santiago Fisas Ayxela, Mary Honeyball, Petra Kammerevert, Emma Mcclarkin, Marek Henryk Migalski, Katarína Neveďalová, Doris Pack, Chrysoula Paliadeli, Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid, Marietje Schaake, Pál Schmitt, Marco Scurria, Joanna Senyszyn, Timo Soini, Hannu Takkula, László Tőkés, Helga Trüpel, Marie-Christine Vergiat, Sabine Verheyen, Milan Zver
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Ivo Belet, Knut Fleckenstein, Seán Kelly, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Hans-Peter Martin, Iosif Matula, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Georgios Papanikolaou, Monika Smolková, Róża, Gräfin von Thun Und Hohenstein, Iva Zanicchi
Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote	Marian Harkin