Approximately 100 million people in the European Union are actively involved in volunteering at any one time and the importance of this activity should be recognised by mainstreaming volunteerism in EU policy. This was stated by Marian Harkin MEP when she co-chaired a seminar on volunteering in the European Parliament today, Tuesday, December 5th.

The seminar which was addressed by Mary Davis, Chairperson of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship in Ireland and Mamo McDonald, Chairperson of Older Age Network, was attended by representatives of voluntary organisations from throughout the EU.  Summarising the seminar, Marian Harkin said that EU policy had to support and facilitate volunteering, and that resources had to be made available to fund volunteering organisations .

“Every euro invested in volunteering by the EU leverages a return of €30 back to society.  This is massive value added and there is no better value for money”, she said.

Following the seminar a report will be made to the European Commission as a first step towards seeking deserved recognition on volunteerism and the need to support it with policies and funding, Marian Harkin MEP said.