Volunteering is an important pillar of our democratic and pluralistic societies. It is an expression of active commitment and support. Volunteering covers all kinds of formal or non-formal voluntary activity which is undertaken by a person's own free will, choice and motivation without concern for financial gain. Its impact in our societies is considerable. Volunteers are active in the social or educational field, in support for the environment or development cooperation, in cultural activities, at local level as well as on missions outside their home country. In order to foster a culture of participation and active citizenship in Europe, volunteers need to be given the access as well as the encouragement and the conditions to exercise volunteering activities.

Based on the report on the European Year of Volunteering (2011) adopted by the European Parliament in December 2010, an EPP Group Hearing on "Youth and Volunteering: new active EU citizenship" will take place on Thursday 9 February 2012 from 9.30-12.30 hrs in the European Parliament.

The hearing will be open to Members of the European Parliament and other interested public. Interpretation will be provided in French, German, Italian, English, and Slovenian. Registration for this event is free of charge, however, delegates are expected to meet their own travel and accommodation costs.

To register, please return the completed registration form to Mateja Miksa by email mateja.miksa@europarl.europa.eu no later than Tuesday 7 February 2012.

You are kindly requested to present yourself at the entrance of the ASP Building (main entrance on the Place Luxembourg side at the "Espace Simone Veil entrance on the Esplanade de la Solidarité" (former Mail entrance- side Luxembourg station)) of the European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Brussels on 9 February 2012 between 8.45 to 9.20 hrs to get your badge which will allow you to enter the European Parliament and the meeting room. The poster of the hearing will clearly mark the desk where you can obtain your badge.










For further information:
Stella Mancini, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-2-2832275 or mobile: +32-473-866138