European Parliament own initiative report on Social Economy adopted with 580 votes in favour

On 19 February 2009, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Social Economy (2008/2250(INI)). The report was adopted in plenary in Brussels with 580 votes to 27 with 44 abstentions.

SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE welcomes the adoption of this own initiative report on social economy. The very large majority in favour of the reports shows that Members of the European Parliament have acknowledged the importance for a greater recognition of social economy. Social economy represents 10% of all European businesses, with two million enterprises or 6% of total employment but lacks visibility and support.

The report calls for the recognition of the concept of social economy - as a sector that comprises cooperatives, associations, foundations and mutual societies. It calls for legal recognition, through the creation of European statutes for associations, foundations and mutual societies. Statistical recognition at EU and Member states level is also needed to allow for the sector to get a much needed visibility. Furthermore, the participation of components of social economy into the social dialogue is encouraged. By the vote of this report, MEPs have been addressing the role of social economy as a key operator for fulfilling the Lisbon objectives.

SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE sees this vote as a great step forward that will be beneficial for all social economy enterprises. These enterprises have specificities and share values and are not driven only by profit but also by social benefits. The European Parliament has reaffirmed the need for the European Union and the Member States to recognise the diversity of entrepreneurial forms, particularly in this period of economic crisis.


Resolution on social economy (2008/2250(INI))

In this context, the ALDE group of the European Parliament held a hearing on 20 January 2009, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

During this event, the content of the report was exposed and social economy actors were given the opportunity to illustrate the reality of social economy in the European Union.