Reggio Emilia bids for European Volunteering Capital 2028
On 1 July the city of Reggio Emilia formally presented its candidacy in Brussels to become the European Volunteering Capital for 2028. The bid showcases more than two centuries of volunteer tradition, with around 400 third‑sector organisations, 27 000 volunteers (one in six residents), 1 800 civic volunteers and 500 green volunteers maintaining city parks. The city will compete against Lleida (Spain), Odder (Denmark) and Plzeň (Czech Republic). The next milestone is the 15 October 2026 presentation to the European Volunteer Centre jury, with the winner to be announced on 1 December. Officials highlighted the city’s network of civil consulates, community control groups and the collaborative model that links municipal, regional and European institutions as a key strength of the application.