On 14 May 2025, in Strasbourg, Torino Social Impact took part in the annual assembly of REVES, the European network of cities and regions for the social economy. The event marked the launch of a Call for Action endorsed by public administrations and social economy actors across Europe—an invitation to strengthen the role of territories in fostering cohesion, democracy, and the sustainable transition of the European Union.
A Call from Europe’s Territories
In a time marked by economic, environmental, and democratic crises, European cities and regions are reaffirming their strategic role in building a more inclusive and sustainable Europe. In Strasbourg, a Call for Action was launched expressing a shared vision: the social economy is already an essential tool to address current challenges and to build a fairer, more resilient, and more democratic European future.
Torino Social Impact, present at the assembly, fully embraces the principles of this call: promoting territorial alliances among public institutions, social enterprises, and civic organizations to generate concrete solutions rooted in local contexts.
Why a Call for Action Now
The Call for Action arises from the need to recognize and strengthen the role of the European social economy as a lever for innovation and cohesion. Cooperatives, foundations, social enterprises, mutuals, and associations represent an alternative economic model that operates in local communities, reduces inequalities, and defends fundamental rights.
These actors create environmental, social, and cultural value by investing in people and communities rather than in profit. For this reason, the Call urges the European Union to recognize the social economy as a cross-cutting pillar in EU policies—from ecological and digital transition to inclusion, sustainable industry, and active citizenship.
A Shared Agenda for a Social Europe
The appeal stresses the need to integrate the social economy into the EU’s main strategic frameworks. It calls for:
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full recognition of the sector as a pillar of sustainable local development,
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strengthening its role in the 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal,
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adoption of public policies that support its growth, visibility, and innovation capacity.
Cities and regions see the social economy as a key ally in building resilient communities, creating quality jobs, and promoting social justice.
What Territories and Institutions Can Do Together
The Call for Action outlines a concrete, multi-level agenda to strengthen the social economy ecosystem.
Territories commit to:
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develop local plans for the social economy,
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invest in training for civil servants and young entrepreneurs,
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create spaces for acceleration and collaboration between public and third sectors,
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innovate procurement practices to support social enterprises and impact initiatives.
European and national institutions are called to:
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simplify access to funding for SMEs and micro-enterprises in the social economy,
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integrate the social economy model into all EU programs (energy, education, citizenship, industry),
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enhance data collection, impact measurement, and transparency,
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promote fair taxation and tools to prevent greenwashing and social washing,
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support the participation of social enterprises in EU decision-making processes.
Looking Ahead to 2030: Sign Today to Act Together
The Call for Action is open to all cities, regions, and organizations that want to help build a fairer, more cohesive, and more participatory Europe. Signing the Call today means taking concrete action toward a European social economy capable of generating meaningful change and widespread well-being.
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