The Portuguese and Spanish sections of CIRIEC are jointly organising the 11th Iberian Colloquium on Social Economy, which will be held from 27 to 29 May 2026 in Caldas da Rainha (Portugal) under the theme “Social Economy and Territorial Cohesion – The role of regional and local government”. CIRIEC-Spain encourages participation in the colloquium through the submission of papers, with the deadline for abstracts set for 4 February.
The Iberian Colloquia on Social Economy organised by CIRIEC are a key forum for dialogue, reflection and the advancement of knowledge on the social economy in the Iberian Peninsula. These meetings are noted for their ability to bring together academics, institutional representatives and sector professionals within a framework of scientific rigour, cooperation and social commitment, fostering the exchange of ideas, the presentation of research papers and the dissemination of good practices.
Thanks to their integrative and cross-border approach, the colloquia not only strengthen cooperation between Spain and Portugal, but also help to highlight the strategic role of the social economy as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and economic progress.
Round tables and thematic areas
At the Caldas da Rainha Colloquium, round tables are planned on territorial policies to promote the social economy, with sector professionals, as well as sessions for the presentation of papers.
The platform for submitting abstracts is now open, preferably on the following thematic areas:
- Promotion of the social economy by local and regional governments.
- New forms of social entrepreneurship.
- Social economy and sustainable territories.
- Social economy and social innovation.
- Social economy and inclusion.
- Social economy and the labour market.
- Public policies and the social economy.
- Legislative developments in the field of the social economy.
- The impact of the social economy on the territory: measurement and dimensions.
- History of cooperativism and the social economy.
The event programme and other practical information will soon be published through the media channels of CIRIEC-Spain and this Observatory.
Caldas da Rainha (in Spanish Caldas de la Reina, in Portuguese and officially Caldas da Rainha) is a Portuguese city in the Oeste intermunicipal community, with around 31,000 inhabitants. It forms part of the “Turismo do Centro”, belonging to the historic province of Estremadura.
Just over one hour from Lisbon (80 km), it is a city proud of being a therapeutic and artistic haven. The city has been designated a UNESCO Creative City.
In the 19th century, the golden age of thermal spas throughout Europe, Caldas was among the most renowned destinations. The importance of thermal activities in Caldas centres on the Thermal Complex, which includes the old Thermal Hospital and the Hospital and Caldas Museum. These spaces showcase the history of what is the oldest thermal hospital in the world, and the famous Book of Commitment of Queen Leonor, after whom the city is named.
