Social Economy Europe (SEE) participated in the public consultation for the mid-term review of the European Commission’s Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) 2021–2030, a crucial moment for shaping the EU’s long-term strategy to promote social investment and strengthen the social economy.
Founded in 2000 (initially as the “Permanent European Conference of Cooperatives, Mutuals, Associations, and Foundations”), SEE aims to establish a permanent dialogue between the social economy and European institutions. Chaired by Juan Antonio Pedreno, SEE is composed of organizations representing European-level groupings of cooperatives, mutuals, associations, and foundations; organizations representing national federations of the social economy in EU member states; and European networks promoting the social economy. Since its founding, SEE has served as the secretariat of the European Parliament’s Social Economy Intergroup.
As part of the review, SEE provided a detailed assessment of SEAP’s progress: what has worked well and where greater ambition is needed.
However, the implementation of SEAP’s key measures has been slow, and recent Commission priorities focused on defense and competitiveness risk reducing the EU’s social ambitions. Cuts to cohesion and social policy funds could undermine the social economy’s role as a driver of inclusion, innovation, and civic participation.
The social and solidarity economy, based on democratic governance and local anchoring, offers concrete solutions to the EU’s strategic challenges: sustainable construction, clean energy, agriculture, food sovereignty, and the circular economy. Additionally, the ethical finance sector—including cooperative banks, foundations, and microfinance institutions—represents a crucial resource for supporting the green transition and European industrial autonomy.
According to Social Economy Europe, it is essential to continue along SEAP’s path, ensuring:
- Full implementation of the Council Recommendation with strong coordination among Member States;
- Strengthened ESF+ and cohesion funds in the next Multiannual Financial Framework;
- More favorable taxation and public procurement policies;
- Greater integration of the social economy into macroeconomic policies and EU programs.
Recognizing the social economy as a pillar of democracy, cohesion, and sustainability remains crucial. The ecosystem is ready to collaborate with the Commission and EU institutions to build a prosperous and solidarity-driven future, in which the SSE is acknowledged as a strategic ally in achieving the European Union’s objectives.
Download the full report: SEE-contribution-SEAP-midterm-review-July-2025.pdf
Archivio:
