Brussels, 05/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament supports the setting up of a voluntary European humanitarian aid corps. This new instrument was introduced by way of the Lisbon Treaty (Article 214.5) and its pilot phase was launched on 17 June in Budapest (EUROPE 10400).
A written declaration initiated by Georgios Koumoutsakos MEP (EPP, Greece) and co-signed by Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France), Marian Harkin (ALDE, Ireland) and Vittorio Prodi (S&D, Italy) obtained the support of 381 members of the European Parliament last week in Strasbourg as testimony to this political support.
“Humanitarian action is the fundamental expression of the European value for solidarity and volunteering is an indispensable part of our common identity. The European Voluntary Corps will bring added value to European citizens, particularly youth, by encouraging their participation and active contribution to a society with greater cohesion”, stated Koumoutsakos, who was delighted that this written declaration had been adopted in 2011, the European Year for Volunteering.
According to the latter, the setting up of a European humanitarian aid corps should be operational in 2012 and is particularly important in that it embodies a “winning” project in this difficult period Europe is currently experiencing. (AN/transl.fl)