Volunteering is essential to Europe's preparedness in an increasingly dangerous world

As we celebrate the International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026), experts from across Europe gathered at an EESC hearing to underline the vital contribution that volunteers make to building resilient, prepared and cohesive societies. The hearing, organised as part of the EESC's work on the forthcoming opinion on the role of volunteering for European preparedness, explored how volunteering strengthens communities before, during and after crises. 

Opening the hearing, Juraj Stodolovský, EESC member and President of the SOC/864 Study Group, highlighted volunteering as an expression of core European values such as solidarity, mutual assistance, social cohesion and participation. He stressed that these values are becoming increasingly important as Europe faces a growing number of crises and challenges. 

Introducing the opinion on "the role of volunteering for European Population Preparedness in an increasingly dangerous world", rapporteur Krzysztof Pater recalled the EESC's longstanding commitment to promoting volunteering, noting that the Committee had already called for a European Year of Volunteering almost two decades ago: "Volunteering is not an optional add-on to Europe's preparedness systems but a foundational element of them." He stressed.

A recurring message throughout the hearing was that preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies. According to Lejla Šehić Relić, President of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), volunteering constitutes an essential part of Europe's democratic and social infrastructure. She argued that, far from becoming active only when disasters strike, volunteers help communities build trust, foster social cohesion, counter disinformation and strengthen active citizenship on a daily basis. This long-term engagement, she said, creates the foundations that allow societies to respond effectively when crises occur. 

Several speakers illustrated these ideas through practical examples. Iwona Nowakowska of Maria Grzegorzewska University presented research on public mobilisation following the devastating floods that hit Poland in 2024. While financial donations and material support were widespread, her findings showed that volunteers often remained engaged long after public attention had faded. The research highlighted the importance of volunteers not only in emergency response but also in the lengthy reconstruction and recovery phases that follow disasters. She also pointed to the role of media in maintaining public awareness and sustaining support over time. 

The hearing also demonstrated that volunteering contributes to resilience in many different ways. Mei Li Powell, Chief Executive Officer of the Euroclear Foundation, showcased how corporate volunteering helps equip disadvantaged young people with financial literacy and practical life skills. Through partnerships with organisations such as Junior Achievement Europe, employees share their expertise with young people facing significant social and economic obstacles. Such initiatives, she argued, help build the confidence, skills and adaptability needed to cope with uncertainty and future challenges. 

The importance of empowering young people was also stressed by Kristýna Stecová from Caritas Europa. Presenting the "Youth Empowerment for a Stronger Europe" (YES) project, she explained how volunteering enables young people to address issues such as mental health, social exclusion and ageing while developing advocacy skills and a sense of ownership over the challenges affecting their communities. 

Meanwhile, Ayowunmi Nuga from the World Scout Bureau Europe Support Centre highlighted the growing importance of digital preparedness. She presented the Scouts' "Safe from Harm" online safety toolkit, which helps young people develop critical thinking skills, recognise misinformation and navigate online risks. Volunteers, she explained, play a crucial role as trusted mentors who help young people build resilience, confidence and responsible online behaviour. 

The second panel focused on the role of volunteering during crises. Ángel Rubio González from Spain's General Union of Workers stressed the need for better training and protection for volunteers involved in emergency situations, warning that inadequate preparation can put lives at risk. 

Drawing on Italy's extensive experience of earthquakes and emergency response, Lucia Mortara from ANPAS described how nearly 100,000 volunteers support communities before, during and after disasters. She emphasised the importance of training, public education, long-term community engagement and cooperation between institutions and volunteer organisations. Preparedness and resilience, she argued, must be built during peacetime rather than only during emergencies. 

A further perspective came from Maria Vallström of Södertörn University, who presented research on local responses to major wildfires in Sweden. Her findings highlighted the vital contribution of local knowledge, informal volunteers and community networks. At the same time, she called for stronger cooperation between professional emergency services and local communities, warning that preparedness cannot rely solely on volunteers and requires sustained public investment and support. 

As discussions continue on the EESC opinion, the hearing sent a clear message: volunteering is not merely a response mechanism activated during emergencies. It is a strategic asset that strengthens democratic participation, social cohesion and resilience every day. In the context of IVY 2026, participants argued that recognising and investing in volunteering will be essential if Europe is to become better prepared for the complex challenges that lie ahead.