The role of voluntary activities in social policy – Council conclusions

The Council adopted conclusions on the role of voluntary work in social policy, taking account of the activities and discussions in the context of 2011, European year of voluntary activities promoting active citizenship.

The conclusions stress that voluntary activity is an expression of active citizenship in all areas of social life.

Volunteering strengthens common European values like solidarity and social cohesion. It is crucial to the development of democratic values, human dignity, equality and subsidiarity, which are among the founding principles of the EU.