Second EU-level Thematic Conference for the European Year of Volunteering 2011 took place on 23 and 24 May in Brussels. The conference was organised by the European Commission and brought together some 300 participants from all EU member states. For two working days they discussed the priorities, the needs and the opportunities for civil organisations, business, states and volunteers in the context of the contribution and the effectiveness of some 100 million volunteers in Europe. Maria Petkova, Director of Tulip Foundation, took part in the meeting on an invitation from the organizers.

Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, welcomed the participants. The President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek underlined in his speech that there is no freedom without solidarity.

It is our common task as Europeans to encourage the participation of more volunteers in various activities.