About the Awards
Volunteered abroad with the European Solidarity Corps?
The European Solidarity Corps Participation Awards 2026 are all about your story: the friendships, the challenges, the cultural shocks, the random meals, the people who went from strangers to family, and the moments that changed how you see the world.
But this year hits different. We’re celebrating not just your experience, but how you became part of something bigger - a community, a culture, a shared European story. All it takes is a one-minute video.
Real stories. Real experiences. Real people. Share yours, and inspire the next wave of volunteers to say: “Okay… I need to do this.
What do you need to do?
It’s super simple:
- Make a one-minute video about your volunteering experience
- Upload it to YouTube Shorts (vertical format, see how here)
- Follow the steps on the participation page to submit your application.
📅 Key dates
- submissions open: 13 April 2026
- deadline: 18 May 2026 (23:59 CEST)
- winners announced: the week of 15 June 2026
How is this working?
Ten winners will be selected by a jury composed of:
- a representative from the European Commission
- a member of the EYCA Youth Panel
- a representative from EYCA
And here’s what they’ll be watching for:
🎨 creativity: show your personality, your story, your vibe
💬 message: what does your experience really say?
👀 engagement: views and likes matter, so share your video
What can you win this year?
Forget everything you knew about previous editions…This year, we’re taking you to Brussels 🇧🇪
All 10 winners will receive:
An all-expenses-paid trip to Brussels from 23 to 27 September 2026 - yes everything’s covered:
- ✈️ round-trip travel
- 🏨 accommodation
- 🍽️ meals
- 🚇 local transport
- 🎉 full programme of activities (get a sneak peek on the Prizes page)
Head to the participation page, share your story, and show us what volunteering means to you. We can’t wait to see it!
The European Youth Card for European Solidarity Corps Participants
Did you know? Everyone volunteering abroad with European Solidarity Corps gets a special edition of the European Youth Card as a thank you from the EU and EYCA.
The card gives you access to over 20,000 discounts and benefits across more than 30 countries - covering travel, culture, accommodation, transport, shopping, sports, and much more.
Whether you’re in the middle of your project or planning your next trip, the card is your perfect sidekick to help you spend less and experience more.
