Mrs. Cavaco Silva attended, in Lisbon, the Opening Session of the European Volunteering Year 2011, comprising a Volunteering Fair, on view in Picoas Forum until 9 February.

There are several events taking place in the Fair including approximately 20 conferences, the presence of many institutions and the testimonies of people who took part in volunteering actions.

The European Volunteering Year is celebrated in the European Union’s 27 capital cities and its objective is to encourage and support the efforts developed by Member States and by local and regional authorities, as well as to increase the visibility of volunteering activities in the area of the EU.