Measures to tackle the impact of COVID-19 on the European Solidarity Corps

6.5.2020

Question for written answer E-002794/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Domènec Ruiz Devesa, Michaela Šojdrová, Irena Joveva

Organisations participating in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) are struggling due to inconsistencies in the interpretation of the rules and guidelines by different European national agencies and the way they apply them, resulting in administrative burdens and volunteers being treated differently. The crisis has led to additional expenditure on ESC projects required to meet societal needs, promote the well-being of volunteers and ensure the sustainability of the organisations. We would like to ask the Commission for clarification on how the programme will be adapted to the pandemic.

• 1.Will the Commission adopt a uniform guideline for national agencies on how to deal with the pandemic and instruct them to inform all parties and apply the new rules and procedures in an equal way?
• 2.Will it recognise the eligibility of additional costs arising from COVID-19-related measures and increase project budgets accordingly, and will it guarantee that organisations receive the original amount of money allocated for administrative costs and organisational support, even if placements have not been able to continue because of the pandemic?
• 3.Will it allow online volunteering and increase the number of in-country volunteers allowed to work on new projects until travel and social distancing restrictions are lifted in order to enable ESC volunteers to meet community needs now and in the future?