Social Economy Europe (SEE) has called on the European Commission to integrate the social economy more fully into the Union’s industrial, competitiveness and strategic autonomy policies, coinciding with the mid-term review of the European Action Plan for the Social Economy (SEAP).
In a document dated 18 May, SEE welcomes the progress made since the Action Plan was launched, as well as the involvement of the European institutions, although it warns of institutional and financial “setbacks” that could undermine its future implementation. Key achievements include the adoption of a common European definition of the social economy, the promotion of national strategies in 21 Member States; the strengthening of funding instruments such as InvestEU, ESF+ and EaSI; and the launch of the ‘Social Economy Gateway’ and the special Eurobarometer on the Social Economy.
The report notes that the social economy comprises more than 4.3 million enterprises and organisations and generates at least 11.5 million jobs in the European Union, equivalent to 6.3% of total EU employment, according to data from the latest CIRIEC-EURICSE Report commissioned by the European Commission. These organisations operate in key sectors such as care, agriculture, energy, housing, education, culture and the circular economy.
Change of direction
One of the central points of the text is the concern over the reduced role of the Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) in the implementation of the European plan. According to SEE, the dismantling of the specific Social Economy unit within this department represents a significant “step backwards”, which threatens to exclude the sector from strategic debates on industry, the single market and European competitiveness.
The organisation also criticises the fact that the Plan’s revision focuses much of its attention on social enterprises, pushing the needs of the traditional families of the social economy – cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations – into the background. In SEE’s view, such an unbalanced approach risks diluting the ecosystem’s distinct identity and limiting its potential for internal cooperation.
On financial matters, the document warns of uncertainty regarding the future European budget and condemns the removal of the ‘Social and Skills’ window from InvestEU in the draft of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The organisation calls for “adequate and accessible” resources to tackle challenges such as reducing inequalities, housing, the green transition, health and territorial cohesion.
SEE also highlights the strategic role of the social economy in sectors that are key to European self-sufficiency. The report cites energy cooperatives, community-led digital initiatives, ethical finance organisations, and social and cooperative housing models as examples, which it considers essential for reducing inequalities, strengthening local value chains, and increasing resilience to geopolitical and economic crises.
The organisation argues that the social economy should not be viewed solely as a tool for social inclusion, but as “a strategic component” of competitiveness and well-being in the EU. In this regard, it calls for the sector to be fully integrated into future industrial, digital, rural and cohesion policies.
The document concludes by advocating for the continuation of the European Action Plan for the Social Economy beyond 2030 and proposes that the next social economy agenda be designed in collaboration with the sector’s own ecosystem.
Social Economy Europe reaction to the Mid-Term Review of the Social Economy Action Plan
