Ballina, a town in County Mayo, has been announced as one of the candidates for the prestigious title of European Volunteering Capital 2026.
The Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) in Brussels shortlisted Ballina alongside Maia in Portugal and Rzeszów in Poland. This recognition highlights the town’s robust community volunteering efforts, supported by organizations like Volunteer Ireland and Mayo PPN.
Councillor Michael Loftus expressed pride in the nomination, celebrating the town’s community spirit and the opportunity to showcase its volunteer programs. Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina Municipal District, emphasized the potential benefits for the region, including enhanced local and international volunteer collaboration.
Lesley Moore, manager of Mayo Volunteer Centre, noted the growing interest in volunteering within the community, which this title could further boost. The winner will be announced on November 29 in Trento, Italy, the current titleholder.
This competition, supported by the EU’s Citizens, Equality Rights, and Values fund, aims to inspire municipalities across Europe to promote and celebrate volunteering.
