European Economic
and Social Committee
Statistical tools for measuring volunteering
Download — Statistical tools for measuring volunteering
Key points
Taking into account that volunteering is an important driver of inclusive growth, a key factor in many economic and social policies and a research subject which is currently insufficiently measured, the Committee calls on the European Commission:
- to put in place the conditions to start methodological work and research into volunteer work by national statistical offices from the EU Member States. In so doing, use should be made of the International Labour Organisation's Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work;
- to work on a standardised methodology for research into volunteer work and to ensure its adoption by the Member States, via an appropriate EU Regulation;
- to gather and make available consistent information resulting from research into volunteering conducted in individual countries or at EU level;
- to introduce legal measures binding at the EU and Member States level which would enable the non-profit sector to co-finance public grants with the economic value of volunteer work.
The EESC uses this opportunity to reiterate the need for a favourable environment and support for voluntary activities.
More info
Statistical tools for measuring volunteering - EESC Opinion
Comparable data on volunteering in the individual EU Member States has never been available. Such activities, however, represent real economic value and this data could provide a very useful tool for facilitating implementation of many social and economic policies. Therefore the Committee calls on the European Commission to work on a standardised methodology for research into volunteer work and to ensure its adoption by the Member States via an appropriate EU Regulation. In so doing, use should be made of the ILO Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work. The Commission should also introduce binding legal measures to enable the non-profit sector to co-finance public grants with the economic value of volunteer work.
The role of voluntary activities in social policy - Council Conclusions
Recommended for you
European statistics on population and housing
Opinion
Key pointsThe Committee endorses the content of the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on European statistics on population and housing, amending Regulation (EC)…
EESC study provides tools to improve EU measures against intergenerational poverty
News
A new study by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) highlights the intergenerational aspect of poverty and presents an evidence-based definition of this phenomenon based on ten key…
Social farming as a tool for innovation in agriculture
Opinion
Key pointsThe EESC:recommends framing social farming as an agricultural innovation that primarily delivers solutions to social and health problems at local level;calls on the European Commission and…
Company law / use of digital tools and processes
Opinion
The objective of the initiative is to ensure the digitalisation of EU company law. In particular, the initiative will aim at enhancing transparency through increased availability of company…
Measures to improve mental health
Opinion
Key points The EESC: encourages a reform of health systems across the EU in the field of mental health to ensure prevention, early detection and screening of ill mental health and provision of a…