As a direct result of Marian's commitment, drive and support for the estimated 100 million volunteers across the EU and over 1.5 million volunteers in Ireland - the European Commission has recently indicated that they are now preparing the legislative proposal to initiate 2011 as the European Year on Volunteering which is an excellent result for volunteers throughout Ireland and the EU.  In an effort to move forward, and engage civil society in the preparation for 2011 as the European Year on Volunteers - Marian is currently organising a seminar in the European Parliament on 16th April 2009 entitled "a roadmap towards 2011 as the European Year on Volunteering" which seeks to bring together voluntary organisations, volunteers and policy makers in order to discuss and develop objectives, strategies, and projected outcomes from this year which Marian will then submit to the European Commission as a consultation document. Commissioner Figel, the Commissioner responsible for Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Culture will be giving the opening address at the seminar.