22.1.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 17/43 (Acts adopted before 1 December 2009 under the EC Treaty, the EU Treaty and the Euratom Treaty) COUNCIL DECISION of 27 November 2009 on the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) (2010/37/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 308 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ('), Whereas: The Treaty establishes citizenship of the European Union (EU), which complements national citizenship of the respective Member States and is an important element in strengthening and safeguarding the process of European integration. Encouraging active citizenship is a key element in strengthening cohesion and the development of democracy. The European Year of Voluntary Activities promoting active citizenship will contribute to showing that volun- teering is one of the key dimensions of active citizenship and democracy, putting European values such as soli- darity and non-discrimination into action and as such contributing to the harmonious development of European societies. Voluntary activities constitute a rich learning experience, enable the development of social skills and competences and contribute to solidarity. Actions carried out by volunteers of all ages are crucial to the development of democracy, one of the founding principles of the EU. (") Opinion of the European Parliament of 26 November 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Voluntary activities have the potential to contribute to the well-being of individuals and the harmonious devel- opment of European societies. Having due regard to the particularities of the situation in each Member State and all forms of volunteering, the term  ‘voluntary activities refers to all types of voluntary activity, whether formal, non-formal or informal which are undertaken of a person’s own free will, choice and motivation, and is without concern for financial gain. They benefit the individual volunteer, communities and society as a whole. They are also a vehicle for individuals and associations to address human, social, intergenerational or environmental needs and concerns, and are often carried out in support of a non-profit organisation or community-based initiative. Voluntary activities do not replace professional, paid employment opportunities but add value to society. In fast-changing societies there is a need to ensure effective support measures for voluntary activities to allow more people to engage in voluntary activities. It is therefore important to support peer learning and the exchange and development of good practices at local, regional, national and Community levels. The 1997 Intergovernmental Conference adopted Declaration 38 on voluntary activities, which was attached to the Final Act of the Treaty of Amsterdam and recognises the important contribution made by voluntary service activities to developing social solidarity. In its Communication of June 1997 on promoting the role of voluntary organisations and foundations in Europe, the Commission emphasised three aspects of voluntary organisations and foundations: the economic aspect of creating jobs; the social aspect of helping to define social policies and thereby contributing to social progress; and the political aspect, fostering democracy, citizenship and civic participation.