Our values
The social economy has a broad social foundation and conducts its activities in varied legal forms while demonstrating its competitiveness and its capacity to grow and adapt to new social and economic challenges.
It is therefore a fundamental component of organised civil society. It takes positions and submits opinions to public authorities concerning the development, implementation and evaluation of policies that affect citizens’ lives.
The social economy makes a significant contribution to the development of a plural society that provides for greater participation, more democracy and more solidarity.
Social Economy Europe members adopted the Social Economy Charter, where are exposed the seven principles that distinguishes social economy enterprises from capital-based companies:
The primacy of the individual and the social objective over capital
Voluntary and open membership
Democratic control by the membership
The combination of the interests of members/users and/or the general interest
The defence and application of the principle of solidarity and responsibility
Autonomous management and independence from public authorities
The essential surplus is used to carry out sustainable development objectives, services of interest to members or of general interest.
For more information, please refer to the Social Economy Charter
