News of the European Social Economy
SEN#51May 2026
CLIMBS: Turning Mutual Protection into Cooperative Resilience
Donna C. Dizon, Group SVP, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative
CEO & Principal, Co-operative College of the Philippines
Through my work with cooperatives and social and solidarity economy initiatives, I have seen how mutual insurance can go beyond protection against loss and become a platform for resilience, inclusion, sustainability, and community empowerment. With CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, we continue to work closely with our member-cooperatives across the Philippines to transform shared risks into shared solutions. In a country highly exposed to typhoons, floods, storm surges, drought, and heat, we recognize that cooperatives are more than economic institutions—they are community anchors and social protection platforms.
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Social Economy Europe calls for the social economy’s role in the EU’s competitiveness to be strengthened
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.
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Last days to apply for the Best Doctoral Thesis Award in Memory of Carlo Borzaga
The award aims to promote studies that rigorously investigate how the cooperative model can strengthen democratic participation, reduce inequalities, and support the development of more cohesive and resilient communities, while also promoting conflict prevention and the peaceful management of conflicts. Applications may be submitted until 30 June 2026.
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Copa-Cogeca calls on the EU to take urgent measures to prevent a food “inflation shock” caused by the crisis in the Middle East
At the meeting, the presidents of Copa and Cogeca reminded European representatives that both the EU’s food security and the resilience of its agricultural sector are at risk, and therefore urged the European Union to take decisive action. These statements were made in the wake of the persistent geopolitical tension in the Middle East, which is affecting farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the European Union, who are facing increasing pressure on costs, markets and supply chains, in an already fragile situation.
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Towards CoopsDay 2026: “Cooperatives for a Peaceful World”
This slogan highlights the role of cooperatives as “bridge builders”, bringing communities together, fostering dialogue and deepening resilience in an increasingly fragmented world, as warned by the ICA. Furthermore, the slogan is linked to the ICA Global Conference 2026 theme, which is “Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions to a Peaceful World”.
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Chapingo Autonomous University will host the Sixth International Research Congress of CIRIEC Mexico, from 2 to 6 September 2026
The meeting will continue previous editions held at the Autonomous University of Guerrero, the Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla, the Autonomous University of Baja California, and the Metropolitan Autonomous University, consolidating itself as one of the main Latin American spaces for reflection and research on the popular, social, solidarity, and cooperative economy.
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The ICMIF Foundation marks 10 years of reaching underserved communities
The ICMIF Foundation has published its 2025 Impact Report, marking a decade of work to expand mutual microinsurance to underserved communities across the Global South. The findings highlight significant growth, strengthened partnerships and climate resilience efforts, all driven by the Foundation’s mission to build more resilient communities.
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Poland celebrates 125 years of student cooperatives
The celebration marking 125 years of student cooperatives in Poland took place on 28 April in Wadowice, the region with the highest number of active student cooperatives in Poland. According to the Polish National Cooperative Council, it is estimated that there are approximately 800 student cooperatives operating in the country. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond theoretical learning, providing students with practical opportunities to manage real initiatives.
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The European Commission approves an ambitious social plan aimed at eradicating poverty in the EU
On May 6, the European Commission presented an ambitious social plan aimed at helping eradicate poverty and promote the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the EU. The package includes the first EU Strategy to Combat Poverty; a proposal for a Council Recommendation on combating exclusion in housing matters; and two communications: one on breaking the cycle of child poverty (Strengthening the European Child Guarantee) and another on strengthening the Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by 2030.
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The European Disability Forum elects Latvian Gunta Anca as its new President
The new EDF President is of Latvian origin, was the only candidate put forward for the position, and succeeds the Greek Yanis Vardakastanis, a true institution within the European disability movement, who has chaired the Forum for the past 25 years.
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RREUSE celebrates its 25th anniversary at the European Parliament with a conference entitled “Powering Europe’s Circular Shift: Social Enterprises at the Heart of the Transition”
The Reuse and Recycling Network: Social Enterprises of the European Union (RREUSE) celebrated its 25th anniversary at the European Parliament with a conference focusing on the strategic role of social enterprises in the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive circular economy. The event took place on 22 April, coinciding with Earth Day, and brought together MEPs, representatives from the European Commission and social organisations to discuss upcoming European legislative developments, including the future Circular Economy Act.
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Report: Reweaving Finance for the Social and Solidarity Economy: A Global Compilation of Financing Models Aligned with the Principles of the Social and Solidarity Economy
The report, entitled Reweaving Finance for the Social and Solidarity Economy, analyses financial models aligned with principles such as democratic governance, local roots and the collective interest. According to its authors, the aim is to move beyond an approach focused solely on the ‘financing gap’ and to promote mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of SSE organisations.
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Dakar to host the 2nd African Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA'ESS) in 2026
Over three days, from 7 to 9 July 2026, Dakar will host a rich and varied programme featuring expert speakers from across the globe for the second edition of FORA'ESS (African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy), a biennial continental platform for dialogue and collaboration dedicated to the development of the social and solidarity economy across Africa.
+info2026 Co‑operative Law Summer School, University of Pula, Croatia, Aug 22-28
Offered by the International Centre for Co-operative Management and the International Cooperative Alliance in collaboration with the International Cooperative Alliance Cooperative Law Committee and IUS Cooperativum. This course builds links between co-operative law, Co-operative Identity (ICA, 1995), and sustainable development. Prof. Hagen Henrÿ is the primary instructor.
+info35th CIRIEC International Congress – Montreal 2026 – Registration open
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. The conference website, programme and registration form are now available. Early bird until 30 June.
+info14th Meeting of Latin American Researchers in Cooperativism (EILAC), Santiago, Chile, 3–4 November
The 14th EILAC Meeting will take place on 3 and 4 November 2026 in Santiago, Chile, at the Central University of Chile, under the theme ‘Cooperatives in times of multiple crises: laboratories of hope and democracy for human development’.
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