COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Summary of consultation activities Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions
Date: 2023-06-13
Institutions: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission
Subjects: EU employment policy, innovation, labour market, poverty, professional qualifications, social economy, social integration, social rights, sustainable development, vocational training

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Strasbourg, 13.6.2023  SWD(2023) 208 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Summary of consultation activities Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions {COM(2023) 316 final}  
 
 
1.  Introduction 

This Staff Working Document accompanies the proposal for a Council Recommendation on 
developing  social  economy  framework  conditions.  To  acquire  a  broad  understanding  of  the 
needs of the social economy, the European Commission gathered evidence from Member States 
and  a  range  of  stakeholders  including  social  partners  and  civil  society  through  numerous 
consultations  during  the  preparation  of  the  proposal.  This  document  provides  an  overview  and 
discussion of the gathered evidence that underpins the recommended policy interventions aimed 
at supporting the social economy. 

The document notably provides insights on the following aspects: 

  Contextualises  the  social  economy's  contribution  to  employment,  labour  market 
integration and social inclusion with recommendations to support the growth of the social 
economy in these policy areas. 

  Elaborates on the need for enabling frameworks that foster the development of the social 

economy.  

  Highlights the importance of data collection and measuring social impact to boost the 

visibility and recognition of the social economy. 

  Explores the stakeholder recommendations for financing the social economy. 

  Emphasises the reinforcement of administrative and institutional capacity-building to 
equip  public  authorities  to  better  design  and  implement  policies  promoting  the  social 
economy. 

2.  Background: developing the social economy 

The social economy accounts for around 2.8 million organisations in Europe, as well as over 13.6 
million paid jobs (6.3% of the workforce)1. These contributions to Europe’s workforce, coupled 
with  their  social  and  environmental  objectives,  designate  the  social  economy  as  a  significant 
ecosystem  that  can  provide  inclusive  and  quality  jobs,  offer  innovative  solutions  to  societal 
challenges, and advance the twin green and digital transitions. With its potential to improve access 
to the labour market and reduce the number of those at risk of experiencing poverty and social 
exclusion  across  Member  States,  the  social  economy  plays  a  direct  role  in  advancing  the 
implementation and outcomes of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its accompanying action 
plan. 

Recognising  this  potential,  on  the  9  December  2021,  the  European  Commission  launched  an 
Action Plan for the Social Economy with concrete measures to support the development of the 
social economy. In particular, the Action Plan noted the diversity of development across Member 
States and the social economy’s transversal nature across economic sectors. Both factors contribute 

1 Figure covering the EU 28. See European Economic and Social Committee, Monzon, J. L., Chaves, R., Recent evolutions 
of the Social Economy in the European Union, 2017. 
It must be noted that the data in this study has limitations: it may not capture all social enterprises and includers organisations 
with a specific legal form (association, cooperative, mutual-benefit societies, and foundations) without considering their 
mission or profit distribution model. 

 
 
                                                           
towards a complex task of adapting policy and legal frameworks that accommodate the unique 
characteristics of the social economy.  

As a result, the Action Plan proposes the adoption of a Council recommendation on developing 
social economy framework conditions to:  

 

Invite  policymakers  to  better  adapt  policy  and  legal  frameworks  to  the  needs  of  social 
economy entities. 

  Provide recommendations in relation to specific policies. 

  Highlight how institutional set-ups and stakeholder engagement can facilitate the work of 

social economy entities.  

In this sense, the Council recommendation aims to improve access to the labour market and social 
inclusion through the social economy by encouraging Member States to adopt coherent strategies 
and measures that support the sector, inviting policymakers to adopt policy and legal frameworks 
catering to the specific needs of the social economy, and building political momentum and the 
visibility  of  the  social  economy  at  national  level.  The  Council  recommendation  can  support 
Member  States  in  navigating  the  complex  transversal  nature  of  the  social  economy  through  a 
holistic approach that encompasses the various relevant policy areas and by providing guidance 
for  adapting  institutional  and  administrative  set-ups  to  better  understand  the  sector  and  engage 
with stakeholders. 

3.  Overview of consultations conducted 

Call for Evidence on ‘Have your say’ website 

During the preparation of the proposal, and in line with the principles set by the Better Regulation 
Guidelines,  the  European  Commission  launched  a  ‘call  for  evidence’  inviting  stakeholders  to 
provide their input. 

Stakeholders were able to submit their feedback (without pre-set questions) on the proposal for a 
Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions via a dedicated 
webform from 18 August until 30 September 2022. The Commission received feedback from both 
the webform and other contact channels. A total of 81 contributions were received and 44% of 
those  submissions  came  from  NGOs  –  within  and  beyond  the  social  economy.  Business 
associations  accounted  for  12%  of  total  submissions,  public  authorities  for  4%,  and  business 
organisations  for  5%.  Further  contributions  came  from  research  institutions  (3%),  trade  unions 
(2%), as well as EU citizens (14%). 

In  total,  the  Commission  received  contributions  from  16  EU  countries.  They  called  for  an 
improvement of access to funding and markets for social economy entities, as well as for advances 
in policy and legal frameworks better reflecting their characteristics. In addition, several asked to 
increase the recognition, visibility, and awareness about the social economy, in particular through 
the  inclusion  of  a  clear  and  inclusive  definition.  A  number  of  contributions  formulated  very 
concrete proposals, which are elaborated further in section 4. 

Targeted Consultations 

In addition to the ‘call for evidence’, the Commission invited stakeholders to provide input through 
targeted consultations which included: 

 
 
  Consultations  with  the  Commission’s  Expert  Group  on  Social  Economy  and  Social 
Enterprises2  (GECES),  including  the  constitution  of  a  sub-group  and  a  plenary  session 
(November 2022) 

  A structured dialogue with civil society organisations (18 October 2022) 

  A  consultation  with  the  Employment  and  Social  Protection  Committees  (28  November 

2022) 

  A dedicated hearing with EU level social partners (30 November 2022)  

  An outlook opinion of the European Committee of Regions (CoR) (February 2023) 

The Expert Group on social economy and social enterprises (GECES), whose mandate is to 
provide  the  European  Commission  with  advice  on  policy  measures  aimed  at  strengthening  the 
social  economy  and  social  enterprise  ecosystem  in  Member  States  and  the  international  arena, 
formed a sub-group to thoroughly involve Member State representatives, as main addressees of 
the recommendation. In total, fifteen Member State representatives participated in three meetings 
over a period of three and a half months (April-July 2022). In these meetings participants shared 
their general expectations regarding the proposal and discussed the following areas: employment, 
education,  skills,  training,  social  services  and  social  innovation  taxation,  financial  and  non-
financial  instruments  and  social  impact  measurement.  Overall,  the  discussions  focused  on 
identifying elements of policy to be included in the proposal and the sharing of best practices and 
successful  policies  at  the  national,  regional,  and  local  level.  The  Expert  Group  discussed  and 
approved the summary report2 adopted by the sub-group at its general meeting on 14 November 
2022. Their comments can be found in Section 4 of this document.  

On  the  18  October  2022,  the  Commission  hosted  a  strategic  dialogue  with  civil  society 
organisations (CSOs) involving 28 participants from 24 organisations. The purpose of the meeting 
was to gather feedback on the proposal, specifically on areas that could benefit from improvement 
in policy and legal frameworks affecting the social economy in Member States. Overall, the CSOs 
touched upon prominent topics including access to funding and investment, as well as the need for 
policy and legal frameworks that bring credibility and enhance cooperation across EU, national, 
and transnational levels.  

Similarly, the Commission held a consultation with social partners (trade unions and employers’ 
organisations)  on  30  of  November  2022.  The  social  partners  expressed  their  support  for  the 
Recommendation and recognised its significance due to the transversal and cross-sectoral nature 
of  the  social  economy.  The  comments  and  concerns  raised  by  the  social  partners  are  further 
discussed in Section 4 of this document. 

The  Employment  Committee  and  the  Social  Protection  Committee,  both  composed  of  two 
delegates  from  each  Member  State,  gathered  for  a  presentation  and  exchange  of  views  on  the 
proposal on 29 November 2022. The delegates voiced their approval of the initiative as useful to 
supporting  the  development  of  the  social  economy  as  a  resilient  sector.  Topics  raised  by  the 
representatives included  bringing  clarity to  the terminology surrounding  the social economy to 
assist  Member States in establishing legal  frameworks, mainstreaming the social economy into 
policy areas, and the use of statistics and data as tools to enhance visibility of the social economy.  

2 Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities (europa.eu) 

 
 
                                                           
Finally,  the  European  Committee  of  the  Regions  (CoR),  representing  local  and  regional 
authorities,  adopted  an  opinion  in  February  2023  on  creating  an  enabling  environment  for  the 
social economy. Recognising the cross-sectoral nature of the social economy, which is a challenge 
for public authorities, the CoR opinion supports the Recommendation’s goal of developing social 
economy  framework  conditions.  Topics  covered  include  terminology,  data  collection,  funding, 
taxation, market access, and the role of local and regional governments. 

4.  Main findings of the consultations 

This chapter gives an analytical overview of the contributions received, organised in sections based 
on overarching themes.   

4.1 Fostering access to the labour market and social inclusion through the social economy 

Social economy organisations, with their focus on social and/or environmental purposes, can play 
an  important  role  in  advancing  quality  employment,  labour  market  integration,  and  social 
inclusion. Furthermore, these organisations can contribute to a fair green and digital transition by 
providing  upskilling  and  reskilling  opportunities  to  their  workers,  who  often  belong  to 
disadvantaged  groups.  However,  due  to  the  transversal  nature  of  the  social  economy,  its 
contributions  are  often  overlooked  or  managed  in  silos.  To  fully  unleash  its  potential,  greater 
recognition and support of the social economy’s impact is necessary. 

Employment and access to the labour market 

Work Integration and Inclusion 
Many stakeholders3  and social partners call for heightened recognition  of the social economy's 
contributions to the labour market, including its potential for job creation (Catalan Third Social 
Sector Platform, Social Firms Europe, REEUSE).  One Member State raises concerns about the 
impact of demographic change on the labour market, whilst others refer to challenges posed by the 
green  and  digital  transitions.  By  fostering  more  synergies  between  labour  market  integration 
polices (REEUSE) and improved economic support from public administrations (Catalan Third 
Social Sector Platform), the social economy could be empowered to expand employment in the 
fields of care, the circular economy, the IT sector and other economic sectors. 

Another contribution of the social economy to inclusive employment policies is their integration 
of  disadvantaged  groups  into  the  labour  market4.  In  particular,  several  stakeholders  reference 
cooperatives  (CECOP)  and  work  integration  social  enterprises  (WISEs)  (InitiativES,  ENSIE, 
Social  Economy  Europe,  Inclusion  Europe)  as  key  actors  in  creating  quality  employment  for 
disadvantaged groups. Social partners and stakeholders identify persons with a disability5 , youth 

3 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Platform, CECOP, Philea, Diesis Network, EPR, ENSIE, COMECE, Social 
Firms Europe, Catalan Third Social Sector Platform, REEUSE, InitiativES, Inclusion Europe, Gruppo di ricerca (progetto 
Welfare) UniFg, EDF, Social Economy Europe.   
4 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Platform, Catalan Third Social Sector Platform, EDF, CECOP, InitiativES, 
ENSIE, EPR, Social Economy Europe, Inclusion Europe, ERGO, Fundación Secretariado Gitano. 
5  Suggestions  made  in  position papers  by  Social  Platform,  CECOP,  Social  Economy  Europe,  EDF,  InitiativES,  ENSIE, 
Inclusion Europe, Catalan Third Social Sector Platform, EPR. 

 
 
                                                           
(Social  Economy  Europe,  Cooperatives  Europe)  and  Roma  (ERGO,  Fundación  Secretariado 
Gitano) as target groups for inclusive policies. 

Particular  emphasis  was  placed  upon  the  role  of  WISEs  to  offer  quality  employment, 
empowerment and skills to those with a disability. EPR and Catalan Third Social Sector Platform 
call for increased awareness  of this added value from  WISEs, and to  educate people about  the 
added value of employing people with a disability. Similarly, InitiativES and ENSIE expand on 
this  concept  by  calling  for  partnerships  between  for  profit  enterprises  and  WISEs,  via  sub-
contracting in social procurement and/or inclusive employment policies in traditional companies, 
with WISEs taking the role of support service providers. Financial assistance was requested in the 
form  of tax exemptions and subsidies for social enterprises employing people with  disabilities, 
support for start-ups that aim to employ people with disabilities, and provisions that grant state-
aid for wages and additional costs linked to accommodation such as assistive technology (EPR).  

According to the Fundación Secretariado Gitano, WISEs can also play a strong role in the labour 
integration and social inclusion of the Roma community. AS WISEs foster inclusion of vulnerable 
people  into  the  labour  market  and  considering  high  levels  of  discrimination  faced  by  Roma 
communities, it calls for a mechanism which assures these opportunities reach Roma. Noting this 
importance  and  the  competition  in  the  open  market,  Fundación  Secretariado  Gitano  proposes 
reserved contracts, subsidies and grants as support mechanisms.  

Working Conditions and Collective Bargaining 

As social economy entities are a source of employment  across the EU, stakeholders and social 
partners  call  for  improved  working  conditions  and  adherence  to  workers'  rights.  This  not  only 
addresses the need to recruit and retain staff, for instance in the care sector, but assures the social 
economy  sector  upholds  its  commitment  to  social  objectives.  Many  stakeholders6  request 
competitive salaries across the ecosystem as a means to enhance recruitment and improve overall 
working  conditions.  The  European  Disability  Forum  complements  this  by  recommending 
additional social protections for those with a disability including the legal status of employee to 
ensure entitlement to rights. These rights included minimum wage requirements, fiscal benefits 
such as social security and personal income tax and access to paid annual leave, sick leave and 
unemployment  benefits.  The  European  Disability  Forum,  alongside  social  partners,  foresaw 
collective bargaining as  an instrument  to  safeguard working conditions.  Social partners invited 
guidelines in tenders and public procurement contracts to guarantee fair working conditions and 
collective bargaining.   
Notably,  Member  States  and  stakeholders7  acknowledge  the  egalitarian  make-up  of  the  social 
economy, with sectors such as care being particularly affected by gender imbalance. The European 
Disability Forum points out that women with disabilities are likely to be underpaid, in low-quality 
jobs and with poor working conditions. To counter this, EDF calls for safety measures to protect 
women against harassment, whilst Social Services Europe and Caritas Europa suggest improved 
wages  and  working  conditions  to  result  in  improved  standards  and  to  recruit  a  more  gender-
balanced workforce.  

6 Suggestions made in position papers by Catalan Third Social Sector Platform, Inclusion Europe, EDF, Social Services 
Europe, Caritas Europa. 
7 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Services Europe, Caritas Europa, the European Disability Forum.   

 
 
                                                           
Social Dialogue 
Social  partners  and  stakeholders8  agree  on  the  importance  of  social  dialogue  to  strengthen  the 
social economy. It is noted that participation in social dialogue can lead to better recognition of 
the  social  contributions,  raise  awareness  (Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform  and  Asociatia 
Laboratorul de solidaritate), particularly of networks (Asociatia Laboratorul de solidaritate) and 
expose the key role of social economy entities in creating an inclusive and equitable labour market 
(Philea,  Diesis  Network).  As  WISEs  represent  civil  society  and  employer  organisations, 
InitaitivES called for their inclusion in civil and social dialogue. Moreover, SGI Europe endorses 
the  development  of  social  dialogue  at  national,  sectoral  and  cross-sectoral  levels,  mirrored  by 
Social  Economy  Europe's  request  to  integrate  social  economy  representatives  into  the  cross-
sectorial dialogue as the social economy is a major cross-sectorial employer. 

Youth 

As social economy organisations offer quality employment and allow their workers to contribute 
towards social objectives, this sector can be attractive to young people and ease their transition 
into the labour market. As a result, another target group for labour market integration was youth, 
with Catalan Third Social Sector Platform calling for the promotion of social entrepreneurship as 
a career path for young people. To achieve this, stakeholders9 recommend that Member States and 
public authorities engage in the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy. 

Skills, Education and Training 

The social economy is often not taught in schools, universities or in textbooks, which causes a lack 
of  awareness  and  knowledge  of  the  social  economy  among  the  general  public.  This  lack  of 
awareness translates into fewer joining the social economy workforce, despite its benefits for the 
community such as decent employment, social cohesion and fulfilling social and environmental 
objectives. To counter this, some Member States, social partners and stakeholders10 propose that 
the social economy be integrated into the educational curriculum at all levels, favouring a lifespan 
approach  (Life-Long  Learning  Platform)  that  popularises  the  sector  among  youth  (Social 
Platform).  

Similarly, noting the benefits  of cooperatives  in  employment and social  cohesion,  CECOP and 
Cooperatives  Europe  call  for  information  on  cooperatives  to  be  mainstreamed  into  educational 
curriculum.  Another  suggestion  includes  collaboration  between  higher  education  institutions, 
training centres and the cooperative movement (CECOP), with Cooperatives Europe proposing a 
study  to  identify  national  programmes  and  good  examples  on  cooperative  learning  at  all 
educational  levels.  Another  focus  is  on  social  entrepreneurship  as  a  career  path,  to  foster  an 
entrepreneurial  spirit  and  contribute  towards  long-term  reintegration  into  the  labour  market 
(ALEAP ASBL). 

8 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, InitiativES, Philea, Diesis Network, Catalan Third Social 
Sector Platform, Asociatia Laboratorul de solidaritate. 
9 Suggestions made in position papers by Cooperatives Europe and Catalan Third Social Sector Platform. 
10 Suggestions made in position papers by COCETA, Mondragon Corporación Cooperativa S.Coop, CECOP, Cooperatives 
Europe,    Social  Economy  Europe,  Social  Platform,  Social  Firms  Europe,  Financite,  ConcertES,  Life-Long  Learning 
Platform.   

 
 
                                                           
Moreover,  Member  States  point  out  the  gap  in  entrepreneurial  skills  in  social  economy 
organisations such as accounting, upscaling, and finances, as well as support for managerial skills 
(CECOP). Diesis Networks highlights the need for training on transversal skills accompanied by 
new  learning  programmes  and  tools.  Some  stakeholders11  identify  youth  as  a  target  group  of 
entrepreneurial skills, while ERGO proposes additional support to build the capacity of Roma to 
become  social  entrepreneurs  including  promotion  of  social  enterprises  in  Roma  communities, 
trainings, social enterprise hubs, mentoring, peer learning and financial support. 

As Europe undergoes the green and digital transitions, as well as a demographic shift, Member 
States and social partners agree on the ample need for skills training across sectors, and across the 
EU,  including  formalising  and  mainstreaming  circular  skills  development  programmes  at  the 
national level (REEUSE). Several stakeholders12 point to the role social economy organisations 
play in up and reskilling the workforce to meet the changing demands of the labour market. Social 
Platform notes the contribution of social economy entities in providing technical and transferable 
skills  and  empowering  individuals  removed  from  the  labour  market.  InitiativES  identifies  the 
contribution of WISEs, while CECOP cites worker and social cooperatives.  

Another  component  of  skills  training  is  ensuring  social  economy  entities  are  supported  in  the 
provision of training for staff (EPR, Caritas Europa, Financite, ConcertES, Social Platform) and 
volunteers  (EPR),  including  on  the  accessibility  of  training  programmes  for  persons  with  a 
disability (EDF), This training is crucial to provide quality services, embrace innovation (EPR) 
and support the development of the social economy (Caritas Europa). 

Social Inclusion 

Care, social services and inclusion 

Social  partners  and  stakeholders  recall  how  social  economy  organisations  provide  needed 
functions to support society, often where traditional public services have filled this role. For social 
partners and stakeholders13 there is concern this can lead to privatisation and/or commercialisation 
of  public  services.  As  cost-effective  approaches  reduce  quality  services  and  diminish  working 
conditions, services in the public interest must be protected (UNI-EUROPA, EPSU, ETUC) and 
Caritas Europa encourages investment in not-for-profit social services providers.  

The social economy also plays a large role in minimising staff shortages  and providing quality 
services. However, some stakeholders stress that support in the care and social services sectors 
must be complementary to public services (CECOP, EPSU), and that the welfare state must remain 
the main provider of public services (EPSU). Despite these concerns,  the consensus  is  that  the 
social economy plays a valuable role in ensuring quality, accessible and affordable services across 
Member States.  

Member States can also promote partnerships between public administrations and social economy 
organisations to implement social service provisions through financial and human resources. This 
is echoed by the Catalan Third Social Sector Platform as it outlines economic support from public 
administrations  to  amplify  the  role  of  the  social  economy  in  the  care  sector,  whilst  CECOP 
proposes Member States adopt favourable legal and policy frameworks for cooperatives providing 

11 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Platform, Catalan Third Social Sector Platform.   
12 Suggestions made in position papers by CECOP, InitiativES, Social Platform.   
13 Suggestions made in position papers by CECOP, Caritas Europa. 

 
 
                                                           
services of general interest. Finally, The European Blind Union addresses the increased cost of 
living crisis and its adverse effects on persons with disabilities. To mitigate this financial burden, 
the European Blind Union points to economic support for assistive tools and technologies which 
are paramount to inclusion. 

Social Innovation 

Social  innovation  is  an  instrument  to  address  emerging  social  needs  and  issues  in  a  changing, 
uncertain  and  complex  context  (Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform).  Social  economy 
organisations have shown to respond rapidly to crises and can benefit from framework conditions 
that can keep up with and enable their innovation (Euclid Network). Noting this important role of 
social innovation, Member States request more guidance on how to upscale it.  

Stakeholders  advise  Member  States  and  local  authorities  to  foster  innovation  that  promotes 
cooperation  rather  than  competition  (RTES).  To  stimulate  innovation,  stakeholders14  call  for  a 
favourable ecosystem to develop innovation hubs and connect them to financiers and knowledge 
institutions. CECOP advises for the development of public-private partnerships with cooperatives, 
while  Social  Economy  Europe  calls  for  innovative  tools  to  allow  for  the  emergence  of  multi-
stakeholder partnerships led by social economy entities and aimed at boosting local development. 
The  Regional  Council  of  Nouvelle-Aquitaine  asks  for  the  creation  of  a  social  innovation 
foundation in partnership with the research community. 

Another component of fostering social innovation and partnerships is adequate financial support. 
For  example,  YYO  calls  for  funding  instruments  to  allow  for  an  EU-wide  harmonisation  and 
dissemination of innovation developed by local communities. 

Green Transition 

Due  to  the  dual  nature  of  the  social  economy,  its  commitment  to  social  and  environmental 
objectives, it plays a central role in ensuring a fair green transition that leaves no one behind. As a 
result, some stakeholders15 suggest Member States alongside regional and local public authorities 
integrate the social economy into their industrial strategies. 
Relatedly, stakeholders16 identify the  circular economy as a  relevant  sector in  which the social 
economy provides inclusive employment and up and reskilling opportunities, while also assisting 
in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In order to build support for the social economy 
organisations present in  the circular economy, REEUSE calls for national waste laws based on 
waste prevention and quality control (repairability  and durability) on products  entering the EU 
market. Moreover, Member States are recommended to mainstream circular skills development 
programmes (REEUSE). Lastly, stakeholders17 ask for crisis measures to apply to social economy 
entities  in  the  context  of  the  energy  crisis,  more  concretely  WISEs  (IniativES,  ENSIE)  and 
cooperatives working in energy intensive sectors (CECOP).  

14  Suggestions  made  in  position  papers  by  Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform,  CECOP,  Réseau  des  collectivités 
Territoriales pour une Economie Solidaire (RTES), Social Economy Europe, YYO, ESS France, APESS 53. 
15 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe and CEPES. 
16 Suggestions made in position papers by REEUSE and TESS EEIG. 
17 Suggestions made in position papers by InitativES, ENSIE and CECOP. 

 
 
                                                           
4.2 Developing an enabling framework for the social economy 

The social economy has evolved differently among Member States, requiring a balanced approach 
that promotes greater recognition and growth throughout the EU while also taking into account 
national,  regional,  and  local  contexts  and  traditions.  To  achieve  this,  the  Recommendation 
establishes the key aspects of the design and development of a long-term social economy strategy 
while ensuring complementarity and coordination among competent European, national, regional 
and local authorities. 
Stakeholders18 request the Recommendation to send a clear message to Member States to develop 
national  or  regional  social  economy  strategies  and/or  framework  laws  that  consider  national, 
regional  and  local  realities.  These  strategies  can  contribute  to  the  smooth  operations  and 
development of the social economy (Basque Government, ENSIE, InitiativES, RTES), improve 
recognition  (Diesis  Network,  Pour  La  Solidarité,  Microfinance  Center,  European  Microfinance 
Network),  and  enhance  access  to  investment  and  funding  (Microfinance  Center,  European 
Microfinance Network). ESS France also notes how national strategies can deploy social economy 
entities in territories where market failures hamper access to social needs including health, food, 
housing, and the circular economy. 

Administrative and Institutional Capacity 
Overall, feedback from stakeholders19 indicates a need for simplifying and adapting administrative 
and institutional structures to enhance stakeholder engagement and support the social economy. 
This is particularly relevant as Member States will rely on their administrative and institutional 
capabilities to ensure a successful implementation of their social economy strategies and measures.  
There  is  a  strong  consensus  among  stakeholders20  for  Member  States  and  public  authorities  to 
designate single entry contact points in the form of social economy coordinators or ambassadors. 
This  contact  points  would  be  responsible  for  leading  the  design  and  implementation  of  social 
economy strategies. The University of West Attica Social Administration Lab suggests that  the 
role  should  be  equipped  with  adequate  resources  to  effectively  coordinate  and  monitor  the 
implementation of the Recommendation. Other stakeholders propose that the contact point could 
facilitate 
the  dialogue  with  social  economy  stakeholders  (REEUSE),  raise  awareness 
(Microfinance  Centre,  European  Microfinance  Network)  and  enable  access  to  EU  and  national 
funding (Social Economy Europe, Microfinance Centre, European Microfinance Network, Social 
Services  Europe,  Caritas  Europa).  Social  Firms  Europe  suggests  that  the  social  economy 
coordinators/ambassadors could also support research, exchange platforms and learning formats 
between stakeholders and public authorities.                                    

18 Suggestions made in position papers by the Basque Government, InitiativES, ENSIE, RTES, CEPES, Diesis Network, 
Pour La Solidarité, Microfinance Center, European Microfinance Network, Groupe SOS, ESS France, REEUSE, University 
of West. 
19 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, RTES, Concord (Belgium), Philea and the Catalan Third 
Social Sector Platform 
20 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, Microfinance Center, European Microfinance Network, 
University of West Attica – Social Administration Research Lab, Caritas Europa, Social Services Europe, REEUSE, Social 
Platform and Social Firms Europe, as well as GECES and the CoR opinion. 

 
 
                                                           
The social economy, which operates across economic and policy areas, calls for an all-inclusive, 
inter-sectorial approach involving government departments at national, regional, and local levels21. 
A component of this approach can raise awareness of the social economy's broad activity (Diesis 
Network),  enable  knowledge  and  data  sharing  (EVPA)  and  support  the  social  economy  in 
responding  to  emerging  challenges  and  social  needs  (Diesis  Network,  Social  Firms  Europe, 
EVPA). This is pertinent to avoid policy responses being crafted in silos and without stakeholder 
engagement (EVPA). Emerging challenges were pointed out in transversal policy areas such as 
the  green  and  digital  transitions,  healthcare,  migration,  and  education  (Diesis  Network,  Social 
Firms  Europe).  Moreover,  several  stakeholders22  call  for  instruments  for  coordination  between 
departments and government agencies and social economy stakeholders similar to the European 
Commission  Internal  Taskforce on social economy (Social Economy Europe) and the  National 
Competence  Centres  for  Social  Innovation  (EVPA),  or  a  transversal  European  observatory  to 
monitor social needs and emergencies and build common responses (Social Firms Europe).  
Relatedly,  several  stakeholders23  propose  the  establishment  of  collective  bodies  to  foster 
permanent  dialogue  to  inform,  advise  and  accompany  an  effective  evaluation,  monitoring  and 
implementation  of  the  social  economy  strategies.  These  bodies  would  provide  a  channel  for 
dialogue  to  assure  appropriate  measures  that  promote  social  economy  across  policy  areas  are 
adopted (CEPES). Social Platform  proposes a partnership principle, a bottom-up approach that 
commits to engaging with relevant stakeholders (Social Platform, ERGO) bringing together public 
authorities, social partners, stakeholders representing civil society organisations, social economy 
partners and academics (West Attica, CEPES, Social Platform). 

Enhancing the Capacity of Public Authorities 

For  the  social  economy  to  grow  and  reach  its’  potential,  Member  States  need  to  ensure  public 
officials  at  all  levels  are  equipped  with  adequate  training  and  knowledge  to  support  the  social 
economy24. Stakeholders identify several topics relevant for public officials to enhance their skills. 
Alleanza delle Cooperativa Italiane refers to State aid and national officials misusing SGEI labels 
where  appropriate,  unnecessarily  limiting  aid  amounts  and  not  considering  regional  aid,  risk 
finance aid or aid for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers. Another topic, public procurement 
is referenced and the need to assist officials in implementing SRPP in tenders (Diesis Network, 
EPR). Other topics include taxation frameworks, access to finances (Eurocities), Cohesion Policy 
Funds such as ESF+ and their ability to support social economy, WISEs networks (ENSIE) and 
awareness of discrimination and antigypsyism (ERGO). Cartias Europa suggests public officials 
participate in dedicated workshops and webinars to be organised by the European Commission.  

21  Suggestion  made  in  position  papers  by  Eurocities,  COCETA,  Mondagon  Corporacion  Cooperativa  S.Coop,  Basque 
Government, ERGO, EVPA, Social Firms Europe, Diesis Network, Concord (Belgium), Humana Fundacion Pueblo para 
Pueblo, Social Economy Europe and RTES. 
22  Suggestions  made  in  position  papers  by  Social  Economy  Europe,  Social  Firms  Europe,  Le  RTES  –  reseau  francais 
collectivites territoriales.   
23 Suggestions made from CEPES, Social Economy Europe, West Attica – Social Administration Research Lab, GISAD. 
24  Suggestions  made  in  position  papers  by  Eurocities,  Social  Services  Europe,  Diesis  Network,  Basque  Government, 
Humana Foundacion Pueblo para Pueblo, Caritas Europa, ENSIE, Groupe VYV, Pour La  Solidarité, EPR, Alleanza delle 
Cooperativa Italiane. 

 
 
                                                           
Another  sources  for  building  the  skills  of  public  officials  are  through  mechanisms  for  mutual 
learning  and  exchanges  of  good  practices25.  These  sessions  and  exchanges  can  gather  Member 
States,  competent  public  officials  at  the  national,  regional,  and  local  levels  alongside  social 
economy entities (Groupe VYV, Pour La Solidarité). 

Access to Public and Private Funding 

Sustainable public financial support is essential for social economy organisations, including not-
for-profit service providers (EPR, Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, VOWG) to fulfil their 
roles, reach their potential and to carry out their social and environmental impact. As the social 
economy is active in sectors that are likely to experience significant change due to digitalisation 
(EPR)  and  the  green  transition,  stakeholders  call  for  dedicated  economic  support  for  the  twin 
transitions (Social Platform, EPR, CECOP, Social Services Europe) to ensure effectiveness and 
sustainability  in  their  operations  (EPR,  Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform).  Another  crucial 
component of access to funding lies on raising awareness of the social impact (Euclid Network) 
and mainstreaming  (Social Platform,  Euclid Network) social economy  entities through funding 
calls in all programmes and areas (Euclid Network).  
Several stakeholders26 present proposals to ensure a clear path for social economy organisations 
to  access  funding  through  the  Cohesion  Policy  Funds.  InitiativES  and  ENSIE  suggest  that  the 
Council Recommendation include guidance for Member States to mainstream the social economy 
into  the  Cohesion  policy  programmes.  The  German  Red  Cross  identifies  that  non-profit 
organisations  struggle  in  applying  and  implementing  EU  funded  projects  due  to  administrative 
burdens  or  low  co-financing  rates,  and  instead  recommended  simplifying  access  to  Cohesion 
Policy  Funds  to  allow  for  resources  to  develop  innovative  projects  and  collaborations.  RTES 
proposes that Member States and local authorities, as managing authorities of the Cohesion Policy 
Funds,  must  improve  accessibility  for  the  social  economy  by  administrative  simplification, 
automation of advance payments and minimization of costly control functions in favour of support 
and support functions.  

Another component is to raise awareness among Member States and social economy entities of 
the  existing  funds  (Euclid  Network).  More  concretely,  InitiativES,  ENSIE  and  EPR  ask  for 
guidance directed at Member States regarding ESF+ and its ability to fund the social economy, 
with Social Platform calling for an earmark of a certain percentage of the funds in the upcoming 
programming period to support the social economy. Other funds highlighted to support the social 
economy  are  the  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility,  InvestEU  (EPR)  and  the  ERDF  (Euclid 
Network). These funds can be used to increase the capacity of social economy entities to deliver 
quality projects (EPR) and support cross-sectoral development (Euclid Network). Social Economy 
Europe calls for loans and guarantees to support capacity building and the creation of new mutuals 
through InvestEU and the Single Market Programme. Finally, some stakeholders identify Horizon 
Europe as a financial support instrument for social innovation, but agree it has a larger role to play 
in this scenario. Eurocities suggests the local level can be strengthened by providing direct finance 
for capacity building, mutual learning and innovative pilot projects in cities.  

Social  economy  entities  also  report  being  excluded  from  committees  which  monitor  existing 
funding  instruments  (InitiativES,  ENSIE).  Stakeholders  insist  on  their  participation,  including 

25 Suggestions made in position papers by Groupe VYV, Pour La Solidarité, Social Services Europe, EPR, Eurocities. 
26 Suggestions made in position papers by InitativES, ENSIE, the German Red Cross and the RTES  

 
 
                                                           
national and regional representatives, in the monitoring committees of the Cohesion Policy Funds 
(InitiativES,  ENSIE)  and  cooperatives’  representation  on  the  boards  of  relevant  investment 
instruments  (CECOP).  Philea  also  proposes  collaboration  with  foundations  and  philanthropic 
organisations, and wider social economy organisations, in the design, implementation and follow-
up of the national recovery and resiliency facility and the multi-annual financial framework. 

Social  economy  entities  struggle  to  access  financing  due  to  their  inherent  dual  nature  (Social 
Platform).  This  can  limit  funding  for  social  economy  entities  compared  to  conventional 
enterprises, particularly SMEs (Social Platform, CECOP, Cooperatives Europe). Instead, Social 
Platform and CECOP call for access to the same funds and tools delegated to SMEs. The financial 
instruments for SMEs and the conditions for cooperatives should not be discriminatory in terms 
of objectives, implementation, and monitoring indicators (Cooperatives Europe).  

There is also a lack of financial instruments and models to meet the unique needs of the social 
economy (EVPA) at national,  regional, and local levels (Diesis Network). Some stakeholders27 
insist  on  the  recognition  of  marginalised  communities  facing  additional  barriers  in  accessing 
mainstream  funding.  Noticing  these  barriers,  Social  Economy  Europe  calls  for  a  financial 
ecosystem composed of financial institutions, social finance instructions, ethical and cooperative 
banks, microfinance institutions, mutual and cooperative insurers, philanthropy, and credit unions. 
This would promote an understanding of the needs and characteristics of the social economy and 
the  key  investors  in  social  entrepreneurship,  social  services  and  the  green  transition  (Social 
Economy  Europe).  Relatedly,  the  Diesis  Network  calls  for  alternative  funding  tools  including 
microfinance, crowdfunding, and community finance. As a response to discrimination, ERGO and 
Fundación Secretariado Gitano identifies soft loan conditions, state-provided guarantees for bank 
loans, free expert support as support measures to counter this issue. Similarly, Groupe SOS states 
that current funding methods are inconsistent with the needs of the social economy organisations, 
and advocates for stronger equity and debt financing tools dedicated to social innovation, giving 
the example of solidarity saving schemes to be opened at the start-up phase of projects.  

Another  alternative  method  for  financing  the  social  economy  is  impact  investment,  or  social 
impact  finance  (Philea,  Social  Economy  Europe,  CECOP,  Alleanze  delle  Italiane  Cooperative 
Produzione e Lavoro, Confcooperative Lavoro e Servizi). This form of financing can be effective 
and  give  weight  to  the  social  economy  as  a  financial  actor28.  Some  stakeholders29  recommend 
methods  for  repaying  and  remunerating  investments  to  be  linked  to  the  achievement  of  social 
objectives, such as Social Impact Bonds. Caritas Europa acknowledges that the mobilisation of 
financial  instruments  in  support  of  the  social  economy  must  be  based  on  the  principle  of 
complementarity with public funding.  
Finally, some stakeholders30 identify worker buyouts and business transfers to employees under 
the cooperative form as tools to avoid unemployment, create new jobs, preserve wealth and the 
socio-economic  fabric  of  local  communities.  To  support  this,  the  Institute  for  Economic 

27 Suggestions made in position papers by ERGO, Social Platform and Fundación Secretariado Gitano. 
28 Suggestions made position papers by Alleanze delle Italiane Cooperative Produzione e Lavoro, Confcooperative Lavoro 
e Servizi. 
29 Suggestions made in position papers by Alleanze delle Italiane Cooperative Produzione e Lavoro, Confcooperative Laboro 
e Servizi. 
30 Suggestions made in position papers by CECOP, Social Economy Europe, Institute for Economic Democracy.   

 
 
                                                           
Democracy suggests the creation of a financial instrument alongside national development banks 
to aid private banks in financing worker buyouts. 

Access to Markets 

Public Procurement 

Although the latest overhaul of EU public procurement rules has facilitated social economy entities 
access  to  public  markets  in  principle,  they  are  still  largely  unable  to  take  advantage  of  the 
opportunities provided by public tenders. To address this issue, capacity building is necessary not 
only to strengthen managerial skills and professionalisation within social economy entities but also 
to better prepare the public sector and financial intermediaries for collaborating with them. 

Stakeholders  offer  many  suggestions  to  improve  social  economy  entities  access  to  public 
procurement,  such  as  mandatory  social  and  environmental  clauses31,  reserved  markets32  and 
additional  training  and  awareness  raising  activities  provided  in  Member  States  to  ensure 
commissioning  authorities  can  implement  SRPP  in  their  calls  for  tenders  and  undertakings33. 
Member States also endorse the approach of social clauses and SRPP. 

Currently,  public  procurement  practices  across  the  EU  Member  States  often  favour  the  lowest 
price, which does not benefit social economy entities whose missions are grounded in social or 
environmental objectives. As such, stakeholders34 agree that criteria should be based on quality, 
green, social and governance criteria rather than the lowest price. Similarly, social partners agree 
that  public  procurement  contracts  need  to  outline  guidance  to  guarantee  suitable  working 
conditions, collective bargaining, and workers’ rights.  

Some stakeholders claim that Member States should recognise the role of social economy entities 
in  the provision  of services of  general interest such as care and  social services, and encourage 
Member States  to  adopt  favourable legal  and policy frameworks to  facilitate their creation and 
development. Many social economy entities provide services of general interest for the population, 
including vulnerable and disadvantaged groups (Social Economy Europe). 

Finally, recognising that social economy entities often work in sectors that are a public service 
such as health and education, some stakeholders35 propose that public procurement contracts can 
form partnerships with the private sector. For instance, InitiativES and ENSIE support partnerships 
between for-profit enterprises and WISEs via sub-contracting in social procurement. 

State aid 

31 Suggestions made in position papers by Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege e.V., InitiativES, ENSIE, 
EPR, Social Platform, REEUSE, RTES, Diesis Network, Le Mouvement Mutaliste. 
32 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, CECOP, RTES. 
33 Suggestion made in position paper by Social Services Europe. 
34 Suggestions made in position papers by CECOP, Cooperatives Europe, YYO, Social Platform, Confcooperative Lavoro 
e Servizi. 
35  Suggestions  made  in  position papers  by  InitiativES,  ENSIE,  Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform,  Gruppo di  ricerca 
(progetto Welfare) UniFg. 

 
 
                                                           
Many stakeholders make recommendations aimed at the European Commission in regard to State 
aid. For instance, some stakeholders36 ask for EU competition law to consider a general principle 
to provide for the regulation and specific application of State aid rules to foster the added value of 
those enterprises that reinvest their profits in its social purposes. Some stakeholders37 also insist 
on an increase to the de minimis threshold for State aid38 or for social economy organisations to be 
exempt from the ceiling (Groupe SOS, Financite, ConcertES).  

Member States can make the most of existing State aid possibilities following the General Block 
Exemption Regulation and de minimis rules. In order to facilitate the best use of these funding 
instruments, national public officials can participate in the European Commission’s workshops for 
mutual  learning  and  best  practice  exchanges  (CEPES,  Social  Economy  Europe).  Stakeholders 
suggest  that  these  workshops  should  cover  European  State  aid  rules  on  services  of  general 
economic interest (CEPES, Social Economy Europe) and how to allocate aid for the recruitment 
of disadvantaged workers (InitiativES, ENSIE, CECOP, Inclusion Europe, Social Platform). 

Taxation 
There is a general agreement among stakeholders39 and social partners that Member States need 
to  be  encouraged  to  adopt  more  favourable  fiscal  frameworks  that  are  fair  and  progressive, 
including taxation, to support social economy entities. This can create a more equitable business 
environment across Member States.   

Stakeholders  have  many  recommendations  to  improve  taxation  frameworks  to  support  social 
economy organisations. These included tax exemptions from social security and wages of workers 
in  integration  (InitiativES,  ENSIE),  tax  exemptions  and/or  subsidies  for  social  enterprises 
employing  people  with  disabilities  (EPR),  reduction  of  social  insurance  costs  (Alleanze  delle 
Cooperative  Italiane,  Social  Economy  Europe,  Groupe  VYV),  and  special  legislation  and  tax 
incentives  to  facilitate  business  succession  to  employee  ownership  (Institute  for  Economic 
Democracy). Several stakeholders40 also invite considerations for national compensation schemes 
for irrevocable VAT costs that many public-benefit organisations pay, and instead consider block 
exemptions  for  social  economy  entities  and  a  reduced  or  zero  percent  VAT  on  labour  costs 
associated  with  re-use,  repair  and  the  sale  of  second-hand  goods  (REEUSE).  Another 
recommendation made by some stakeholders is for the national taxation schemes to recognise the 
social value of investors funding the social economy and grant them with tax benefits to serve as 

36 Suggestions made in position papers by CEPES, Social Economy Europe, CECOPS, Reseau Europeen des villes et regions 
l‘economie sociale.   
37  Suggestion  made  in  position  paper  by  CECOP,  ALEAP  ASBL,  Social  Services  Europe,  Cooperatives  Europe, 
Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege e.V, Groupe SOS, Financite, ConcertES.   
38 The current de minimis Regulation 1407/2013 (Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the 
application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid, OJ L 352, 
24.12.2013, p. 1–8) is set to expire on 31 December 2023 and the amount is likely to be increased due to inflation. 
39 Suggestions made in position papers by REEUSE, Social Economy Europe, IniativES, ENSIE, EPR, CECOP, Alleanza 
delle Cooeprative Italiane, Cooperatives Europe, Institute for Economic Democracy, Mouvement Mutaliste, Groupe VYV, 
Catalan Third Social Sector Platform, Philea.   
40  Suggestions  made  in  position  papers  by  Philea,  Social  Economy  Europe,  Groupe  VYV,  CECOP,  Alleanze  delle 
Cooperative Italiane, Cooperatives Europe, Catalan Third Social Sector Platform.   

 
 
                                                           
an incentive; this can be encouraged through direct tax relief measures such as tax deductions or 
credits41.  

Foundations are also central to the social economy with a key role in funding and financing social 
economy projects. As such, Member States can work on overcoming tax barriers to cross-border 
philanthropy (Philea, Social Economy Europe). One suggestion is for a better implementation of 
the  non-discrimination  principle  for  donors  who  donate  across  borders  to  public-benefit 
organisations and foundations (Philea, Social Economy Europe). 

Social Impact Measurement 
Many  stakeholders42  call  for  a  more  systemic  approach  to  the  evaluation  of  the  impacts  of  the 
social economy, or a social impact methodology which considers the unique characteristics of the 
social economy. Social partners suggest  that an  instrument  to  measure the impact  of the social 
economy can prove the value of investing in the social economy. The Intercontinental Network 
for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy proposes an open and participative approach to 
evaluation to meet societal and territorial needs in connection with local authorities. COMECE 
presents a framework for evaluation which reflects on how each structure creates relational wealth 
rather than just measuring its impact in terms of meeting specific needs. Groupe VYV insists that 
Member States should support the development of social impact measurement tools that integrate 
the specificities of the social economy,  which include the reinvestment  of profits in  social  and 
local  objectives,  democratic  governance,  establishment  in  rural  areas  in  order  to  facilitate 
investments in such economic entities. 

Visibility and Recognition 

Recognising the key principles, features, and scope of the social economy 

In consultations with stakeholders, it is acknowledged there is a lack of clarity around terminology 
for the social economy. An initiative or guidance to define the social economy and its key features 
is indicated as useful in mainstreaming it throughout policy areas. Several stakeholders43 propose 
a  definition  based  on  three  overarching  principles  including  the  primacy  of  people,  social 
objectives  or  purpose  over  profit,  the  reinvestment  of  most  profits  and  surpluses  to  carry  out 
activities  in  the  interest  of  members  or  society  and  a  large  democratic  and  or  participative 
governance with a clear reference to the main social economy forms. These principles are in line 
with the definition provided in the action plan for the social economy and in the proposal for a 
Council recommendation. 

Special  attention  is  given  to  the  definitions  of  various  types  of  organisations  within  the  social 
economy, including mutuals (Social Economy Europe), cooperatives (Cooperatives Europe), work 
integration  social  enterprises  (InitiativES,  ENSIE,  EPR,EDF)  and  social  enterprises  (Philea, 
Microfinance  Center,  European  Microfinance  Network,  Asociatia  Laboratorul  de  solidaritate). 
These definitions can assist public officials in clearly identifying these organisations, particularly 

41 Suggestions made in position papers by Microfinance Center, European Microfinance Network, Social Economy Europe, 
Groupe VYV, Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane, Financite, ConcertES. 
42 Suggestions made in position papers by COMECE, Groupe VYV, the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the 
Social Solidarity Economy, Confcooperative Lavoro e Servizi, Alleanza delle Cooperative Produzione e Lavoro and EVPA 
43 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, Groupe VYV, ESS France, CEPES, Alleanza Delle 
Cooperative Italiane, Microfinance Center, European Microfinance Network.   

 
 
                                                           
in Member States where these forms do not exist. Moreover, clear criteria can help identify forms 
that do not meet the requirements to be considered part of the social economy (Confcooperative 
Lavoro e Servizi, Alleanza delle Cooperative e Lavoro). However, it should be noted that while 
some Member States and stakeholders emphasise that these definitions and guidance can serve as 
a starting point for legal clarification, they also stress that the autonomy of Member States must 
be respected as well as the diversity of traditions and models across the EU.    

Networks and stakeholder engagement 
As a part of the national and regional strategies, several stakeholders44 insist on close cooperation 
between all actors on the creation,  adoption, and monitoring of these strategies and to promote 
structured dialogue in all sectors of the social economy (including social services). More precise 
suggestions from stakeholders include: 

  Social  Economy  Europe  and  CEPES  propose  that  Member  States  establish  collective 
bodies  to  establish  a  permanent  dialogue  with  social  economy  stakeholders  to  inform, 
advise  and  accompany  an  effective  evaluation,  monitoring  and  implementation  of  the 
social economy strategies 

  Mouvement Mutaliste advises for a guide for Member States on national best practices to 

enable the integration of social economy entities into national legislation.  

  The  University  of  West  Attica,  the  Social  Administration  Research  Lab,  suggest  an 
approach that includes national and regional policymakers in close cooperation with social 
partners, social economy organisations and academia to take advantage of the impact on 
the achievement of public interest goals.  

  ERGO,  Financite  and  ConcertES  recommend  a  partnership  approach  to  embed  key 

stakeholders into the frameworks. 

  ERGO advocates for heightened Roma inclusion through bottom-up approaches.  

Regarding cooperation, CEPES and the Diesis Network propose the establishment of a system of 
mutual  learning  between  Member  States  as  well  as  locally  to  facilitate  comparisons,  share 
measures and experiences. Some stakeholders45 suggest a strengthening of existing instruments 
for enhanced technical cooperation and peer learning on social economy framework conditions 
among Member States and local and regional authorities. Social Services Europe calls for not-for-
profit social services providers to be included in these regular dialogues.  
Stakeholders46 also call for the inclusion of measures to strengthen or support the development of 
social economy networks as part of national and regional strategies, particularly in Member States 
where  the  social  economy  ecosystem  is  not  yet  fully  developed.  Specifically,  InitiativES 
recommends  additional  support  for  the  establishment  of  networks  of  WISEs,  while  CEPES 
suggests  enhancing  local  networking  under  the  umbrella  of  regional  or  national  organisations. 
These  networks  are  seen  as  a  means  to  overcome  barriers,  foster  partnerships,  and  improve 
dialogue between actors such as WISEs, NGOs, funders, and regulators. They can also facilitate 

44  Suggestions  made  in  position  papers  by  Social  Economy  Europe,  Regional  Council  of  Nouvelle-Aquitaine,  RTES, 
Mouvement Mutualiste, CEPES, Diesis Network, Euclid Network, ERGO, Social Services Europe, Financite, ConcertES, 
Caritas Europa, COCETA, Mondagon, GISAS, Reseau Europeen des Villes et Regions de l’Economie Sociale 
45 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe, Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, RTES 
46 Suggestions made in position papers by Social Economy Europe and Caritas Europa. 

 
 
                                                           
the sharing of good practices, training, and information workshops. ENSIE views these networks 
as a tool for providing public authorities with insights to mitigate administrative challenges. 

Data and Research 

Continued efforts in generating solid knowledge and high-quality data about the social economy 
are  needed  to  inform  national  and  local  policies,  to  stimulate  mutual  learning  and  to  inspire 
common agendas. Stakeholders present several initiatives to support better data collection across 
the  social  economy.  Social  Economy  Europe  proposes  that  Member  States  and  their  National 
Statistical  Institutes  and/or  Agencies  adapt  their  national  accounting  systems  to  collect 
supplementary  data  on  the  social  economy  with  the  support  of  the  European  Commission 
(including  Eurostat)  and  the  European-level  social  economy  networks.  Similarly,  Financite, 
ConcertES and the Euclid Network call for Member States to create representative bodies of social 
economy enterprises and a social economy observatory and/or national associations as a pole of 
expertise and reflection which gather, in one place, data relating to the social economy. 
The Euclid Network presents the European Social Enterprise Monitor47 as a model which provides 
data on the European ecosystem which can be used by decision makers across the ecosystem. In 
addition, Member States also strongly support the collection of statistics and data to track the social 
economy, with many referring to satellite accounts to allow for comparisons across Member States 
and enhance visibility and understanding of the social economy sector.  

Another component of data collection on the social economy is to measure inclusion and equality. 
Social Platform proposes qualitative indicators should be developed and disaggregated by several 
factors,  whilst  ERGO  suggests  the  monitoring  of  Roma  participation  in  the  social  economy 
including the level of ownership and number of Roma staff. The University of West Attica, the 
Social Administration Research Lab, calls for indicators to monitor the performance of national 
and regional social economy ecosystems including the social impact of social economy initiatives 
and the financial and labour market status of social economy beneficiaries before and after their 
entry in the social economy sector. 

Stakeholders  also  propose  collecting  data  and  research  regarding  the  contribution  of  the  social 
economy to the twin transitions (green and digital), the circular economy, job creation, skills, and 
improved  working  conditions  in  the  care.  Catalan  Third  Social  Sector  Platform  proposes  a 
‘European Social Data Lake’ to combine research and social studies to promote new initiatives 
related to social impact. 

47 https://euclidnetwork.eu/portfolio-posts/european-social-enterprise-monitor-esem/ 

 
 
 
 
                                                           
ANNEX 1: LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS WHO SUBMITTED FEEDBACK THROUGH 
RESPONSES TO THE CALL FOR EVIDENCE 

Organisation 
Social Economy Europe 
InitiativES 
The Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy 
Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine 
CECOP 
German Red Cross 
RTES - Réseau des collectivités Territoriales pour une Economie Solidaire 
Groupe VYV 
Le Mouvement associatif 
European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR) 
Yhteiskunnallisten yritysten osaamiskeskus -konsortio (YYO) 
ESS France 
CONCORD Belgium 
Mouvement mutualiste 
European Network of Social Integration Enterprises (ENSIE) 
Eurocities Belgium 
GISAD i.G. 
Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association 
COMECE 
CEPES (Spanish Confederation of social economy enterprises) 
Inclusion Europe 
Alleanza delle Cooperative Italiane 
Taula d'entitats del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya Catalan Third Social Sector 
Platform 
Microfinance Center 
European Microfinance Network 
Social Platform 
CONFCOOPERATIVE LAVORO E SERVIZI 
Gruppo di ricerca (progetto Welfare) UniFg 
ALEAP ASBL 
HUMANA Fundación Pueblo para Pueblo 
Euclid Network 
APESS 53 
Association Internationale de la Mutualité (AIM) 
Social Services Europe 
ALLEANZA DELLE COOPERATIVE PRODUZIONE E LAVORO 
Cooperatives Europe 
Diesis Network 
TESS GEIE 
Fundación Secretariado Gitano 
Social Firms Europe CEFEC 

Country 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Luxembourg 
France 
Belgium 
Germany 
France 
France 
France 
Belgium 
Finland 
France 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Germany 
Belgium 
France 
Spain 
Belgium 
Italy 

Spain 
Poland 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Italy 
Italy 
Belgium 
Spain 
Netherlands 
France 
France 
Belgium 
Italy 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Spain 
Italy 

 
 
RREUSE - Reuse and Recycling European Union Social Enterprises 
Caritas Europa 
European Disability Forum- EDF 
Réseau Européen des Villes et Régions de l'Economie Sociale 
University of West Attica - Social Administration Research Lab 
VÖWG (Verband der öffentlichen Wirtschaft und Gemeinwirtschaft Österreichs) 
Netzwerk Solidarische Landwirtschaft e.V - Department: Genossenschaften 
Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege e.V. 
EVPA 
Euricse (European Research Institute on Cooperatives and Social Enterprises) 
European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network 
Groupe SOS 
Urgenci International Network of Community Supported Agriculture 
Coopérative d'activité et d'emploi - Coodem 
European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) 
Financité 
REScoop-Wallonie 
ConcertES 
Institute for Economic Democracy 
POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ-PLS 
Basque Government 
PTW 
KONFEKOOP - Confederación de Cooperativas de Euskadi 
Ambulante sleutel maker Uitvinder/ Onderzoeker 
Asociatia Laboratorul de solidaritate 
Desde COCETA - la Confederación Española de Cooperativas de Trabajo Asociado 
MONDAGON CORPORACION COOPERATIVA S.COOP 
Lifelong Learning Platform 
European Blind Union 
Gemeente Rotterdam 
Senior Corporate Silver Spoon, Environment & Nature Association. 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 
Citizen 

Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Greece 
Austria 
Germany 
Germany 
Belgium 
Italy 
Belgium 
France 
France 
France 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Slovenia 
Belgium 
Spain 
Poland 
Spain 
Netherlands 
Romania 
Spain 
Spain 
Belgium 
France 
Netherlands 
Hungary 
Finland 
Greece 
Croatia 
Slovakia 
Germany 
Austria 
Italy 
Slovakia 
Netherlands