EU Action Forum IVY2026 Launch Event
The EU Action Forum – marking the European launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) – is organised by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) in collaboration with EL.
The event takes place in the European Parliament, Brussels (Culina Mundi Event Area)
Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 10.00–13.00 CET
Proclaimed by the United Nations, IVY 2026 recognises volunteering as a key contributor to democratic participation, social cohesion and sustainable development. The morning session at the European Parliament will bring together Members of the European Parliament, EU institutions and civil society representatives to discuss how volunteering can be supported through EU policy frameworks. Within this policy-focused discussion, the programme will also address the role of sustainable funding for civil society, including how lotteries support volunteering and good causes across Europe and why the preservation of the lottery model matters. EL will take part in a panel discussion focusing on funding, engagement and protection frameworks for civil society. The morning session will conclude with a networking lunch.
The event will be hosted by MEP Catarina Vieira (Greens, Netherlands) and will include institutional interventions followed by structured networking with IVY 2026 national focal points.
An additional afternoon roundtable discussion will take place at a different venue (Mundo Madou). This session is primarily aimed at CEV stakeholders, though EL stakeholders are welcome to attend if of interest.
Registration open
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The full programme and further practical details will be shared as soon as possible.