In November 2009, the Council of the European Union agreed to make 2011 theEuropean Year of Volunteering (EYV), after a two year campaign by a number of civil society organizations,  including Guiding and Scouting.  As outlined in the Council Decision, naming 2011 the European Year of Volunteering will be an opportunity for governments, voluntary organizations, volunteers and other stakeholders to work together to:

1. Work towards an enabling and facilitating environment for volunteering in the EU;

2. Empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering;

3. Reward and recognise volunteering activities; and

4. Raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteering.

Through activities at European, national and local level, it is hoped the Year will enable greater understanding of the needs of volunteers and voluntary organizations,  provide more opportunities for volunteering, and tackle the barriers which prevent individuals from getting involved.

A number of European networks came together to campaign for the year, and now 33 European organizations are working together in the European Year of Volunteering Alliance, supporting the  promotion and implementation of the Year, developing policy recommendations and lobbying for change.