News of the European Social Economy
SEN#47January 2026
Social Economy in Portugal: challenges, threats, and hopes
By Manuel Belo Moreira, honorary professor at the University of Lisbon and president of CIRIEC-Portugal
The social economy (SE) sector in Portugal dates back at least two centuries and has the capacity to combine justice and efficiency. This capacity stems from the fact that social economy entities address territorial needs, are managed by the community, and decide internally on the distribution of profits. However, regrettably, the social economy sector is relatively weak, and faces new threats, although it shows significant signs that give cause for hope.
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European Economic and Social Committee calls for an increase in the Multiannual Financial Framework and opposes cuts to the CAP and European Social Fund
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) aligns itself with the demands of cooperatives and the European social economy. This is reflected in EESC Opinion ECO/682 on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, with rapporteurs Dominika Biegon, Konstantinos Diamantouros, and Luca Jahier.
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Social Economy Europe calls for social investment to remain a priority and part of the EU’s defence strategy in 2026
In a context of “serious economic and military threats from other superpowers for the first time in over 80 years”, as the statement warns, “the EU has redefined its priorities, focusing primarily on defence and competitiveness, while relegating social justice and sustainability to the background”. The EU has also chosen to strengthen traditional strategic sectors and reduce social spending, a decision which, in SEE’s view, amounts to addressing today’s problems with the same recipes that helped to create them.
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The UN General Assembly approves the celebration of an International Year of Cooperatives every ten years
The resolution acknowledges the success of the International Years of Cooperatives in 2012 and 2025, and highlights the role of cooperatives, in their various forms, as a means of promoting the “fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of local communities and all people”.
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A Renewed Governance for GSEF, Global Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy
On the occasion of its General Assembly on January 15, 2026, which brought together 90 participants, GSEF, the global forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), elected its board of directors for the 2026-2028 period, with renewed governance following the amendment of the statutes approved at the general assembly during #BordeauxGSEF2025.
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The Assembly of the European Association of Co-operative Banks reaffirms the leadership of the co-operative model in shaping a resilient, innovative and inclusive banking system
The European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) held its 57th General Assembly in Almería, hosted by the Cajamar Cooperative Group. More than thirty representatives from across Europe gathered to decide on matters of strategic importance for the association and to reflect on developments dominating current EU policy debates, which decisively shape the regulatory environment in which co-operative banks operate.
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CECOP-CICOPA Europe urges the European Commission to place greater emphasis on quality and less on price criteria in public procurement
CECOP-CICOPA Europe has sent a letter to the European Commission calling on the EU authorities to place greater emphasis on quality and less on price in public procurement specifications. In the same document, CECOP puts forward a series of recommendations to improve relations with social economy enterprises and cooperatives, such as removing administrative burdens or clarifying, where necessary, the grounds for exclusion of submitted tenders.
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The Portuguese Government announces its intention to withdraw from CASES – António Sérgio Cooperative for the Social Economy
The Portuguese Government has announced its intention to withdraw from the historic António Sérgio Cooperative for the Social Economy (CASES) following a Resolution of the Council of Ministers adopted last 28 November, in the context of a broader ministerial reform. The decision has met with the logical opposition of social economy stakeholders in Portugal and across the European Union.
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New book : A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy
Edward Elgar has released the book A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy. With contributions from thirty international experts, under the edition of Professors Marie J. Bouchard (Université du Québec à Montréal and CIRIEC-Canada) and Damien Rousselière (Institut Agro Rennes-Angers and CIRIEC-France), this Guide presents a synthesis of contemporary knowledge on the social and solidarity economy (SSE); it provides an overview of the conceptual, historical, organizational and developmental dimensions of the SSE, and explores current issues from the perspective of public policies, governance, finance and legislation.
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New ILO-ICA Policy Brief on Cooperatives as a “limited-profit” model
Traditional economic activity is often framed in binary terms as either “non-profit” or “for-profit”; the brief — titled Cooperatives: Beyond the dichotomy between non-profit and for-profit — argues that cooperatives sit between these two categories and represent a distinct “limited-profit” model, in which profit is permitted but subordinated to member and community objectives.
Read moreSocial Economy Schedule
35th CIRIEC International Congress – Montreal 2026
From October 5 to 8, 2026, CIRIEC International and CIRIEC-Canada invite you to Montreal to participate in a collective reflection on the theme “Taking Care of the World: the Vital Contribution of the Social Economy and Public Enterprises”. This edition will bring together researchers, public policy-makers, practitioners and representatives of public enterprises and the social economy from around the world. This major international event will provide a space for reflection and exchange with players on the fundamental role of the social economy and public enterprises in ecological transition, social justice and democratic governance. Save the date!
28th Micro Finance Centre Annual Conference, Durrës, Albania, 19–21 May
The MFC Annual Conference 2026 invites the community to take an active role in shaping the future of inclusive finance. Over three days in Durrës, Albania, participants will explore how to safeguard mission while navigating capital constraints, climate risk and the rise of AI. Discussions will cover the governance models needed to protect purpose and the tools that can help MFIs stay resilient in an increasingly complex landscape. With contributions from global experts, regulators, investors and practitioners, the event aims to define practical steps for aligning innovation, capital and impact.
+infoCall for Papers for the European Research Conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) 2026 – Valencia, 3–6 November
The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) will host the most important annual academic meeting in Europe dedicated to research on cooperatives: the ICA CCR Europe Research Conference. The event will be organised by the Centre for Enterprise Research (CEGEA) of this university and will take place from 3 to 6 November 2026 under the theme “Cooperative enterprises for shared progress: facing global challenges together”, focusing on challenges such as digital transformation, the ecological transition and social cohesion. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is 27 March.
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