The cost of non-Europe for cross-border volunteering

The study examines the legal, administrative and other barriers to cross-border volunteering which prevent it from achieving its full potential. Those barriers include uncertainty and the risk of forfeiting social security benefits, the unclear framework for obtaining residence permits in some host countries, the lack of clear procedures for the recognition of the skills and competences gained through volunteering, the lack of positive action and information on volunteering opportunities, and insufficient preparation and training for volunteers. The cost associated with the barriers to cross border volunteering is estimated at 65 million euro per year, increasing the positive economic benefit by a third mainly through the removal of administrative barriers. While the cost of non-action, in political and economic terms, is relatively modest, stronger EU action would increase its visibility, its socioeconomic contribution and foster increased participation in cross-border volunteering. Please click here for the full publication in PDF format.