Volunteering in Europe in 2026: Young People Are Getting More Involved

In Europe, 92 to 94 million adults participate in volunteer activities, representing 22 to 23 percent of Europeans over the age of 15. However, participation rates vary widely by country. Northern countries, such as Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, have high rates, with 40% of the adult population involved. In France, the rate ranges from 20% to 29%, while in Southern and Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and Lithuania, it remains below 10%.

People under 30 are playing an increasingly significant role in volunteering. In France, 24% of 15- to 24-year-olds and 27% of 25- to 34-year-olds are volunteers in 2026, compared to 16% and 15%, respectively, in 2010. Across Europe, 28% of 15- to 30-year-olds volunteer at least once a month, primarily in areas such as sports (32%), youth and education (18%), culture and recreation (17%), and the environment (15%).

The European Union encourages youth volunteering through several programs:

• The European Solidarity Corps: assignments lasting 2 to 12 months for 18- to 30-year-olds, with expenses covered (travel, housing, allowance);

• Erasmus+: a program dedicated to volunteering that combines mobility and engagement;

• 2026, International Year of Volunteers: an initiative to highlight young people’s commitment.

Volunteering allows young people to acquire valuable skills (teamwork, project management, languages), enhance their employability, and contribute to causes they care about. For society, it is a way to address social needs (such as assisting migrants and protecting the environment) and to revitalize nonprofit organizations through the energy and ideas of young people.