Following the June 2025 Social Economy Europe General Assembly, the public conference ‘Investing in the Future of Social Economy’ took place in Padua, bringing together experts from European institutions, national and local governments, social economy networks, and social economy financial actors to explore how public policy and social finance can drive the growth of the social economy.
Organised by Social Economy Europe (SEE) in partnership with Banca Etica and FEBEA (Federation of Ethical and Cooperative Banks), the event served as a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and collective commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient European economy.
The event opened with welcome addresses from Municipality of Padua Councillor Francesca Benciolini and Banca Etica Vice President Prof. Federica Ielasi.
An introduction from SEE President Juan Antonio Pedreño followed, setting the tone by emphasising the urgency of securing long-term funding and recognition for the social economy across Europe.
Two key interventions followed which framed the policy discussion on the European Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP):
Maravillas Abadía Jover, Co-President of the Social Economy and Services of General Interest European Parliament Intergroup, presented via a prerecorded video an overview of current challenges and opportunities in implementing SEAP, especially considering shifting EU policy priorities and budgetary constraints.
Patrizia Toia, Former Co-President of the Social Economy Intergroup, offered a historical perspective on the genesis of the SEAP, drawing lessons from its political origins to inform future advocacy and implementation strategies.
A roundtable discussion followed on the theme ‘Financing the Future – Investing in the Social Economy’s Growth.’ This core panel explored the financial mechanisms necessary to support social economy actors, in times of reduced budgets.
Speakers addressed persistent funding gaps, investment barriers, and the need to innovate financial tools aligned with social objectives.
In particular Mathieu de Poorter (President, CEDAG) spoke of the crucial role of associations in providing services of general interest and as pillars of civil society which strengthen democracy and welfare. These actors blend different streams of revenue but are nevertheless facing increased long-term demand and lower income from private donations (due to fewer fiscal incentives for both individuals and enterprises) and public funding.
Giuseppe Guerini (President, CECOP) explained how specificities of the cooperative model hinder appeals to classic investors, while at the same time leading in mobilising private capital from individuals or enterprises – all of which should be inspiration for the savings and investments union.
Sarah Goddard (Secretary General, AMICE) mentioned the important mutualistic asset, which is equivalent to €3.7 trilllion, which provides an immense investment capacity bounded by democratic decision making and values of long-term approach driven by societal needs. It is an old model with modern answers which should be both protected and supported.
Lourdes Marquez (Advisory Committee Member, Philea) mentioned the diverse role of foundations as investors, grant providers and operators of the SE ecosystem. She stressed they should be part of the equation of funding SE ecosystem policies through blending of resources and opening of InvestEU funds to their co-funding.
Finally, Daniel Sorrosal (Secretary General, FEBEA) called for virtuous alliances between ethical banks, foundations and mutuals to increase long-term funding of SE which meets their needs instead of short-term projects. All SE actors should think collectively of financial instruments and lobby for adapted InvestEU which would also mobilise investment and not just sleeping guarantees.
Final reflections on the conference were provided via live video by Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux, Head of Unit for Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship at DG EMPL. Ms. Fellahi-Brognaux reiterated the European Commission’s commitment to supporting the social economy and called for sustained dialogue between EU institutions, member states, and ecosystem actors to maintain policy momentum and financial support.
The conference concluded with a strong call to action by Aldo Soldi, President of Banca Etica and Daniel Sorrosal, ( FEBEA), urging European and national decision-makers to recognise the social economy as a strategic lever for sustainable development, deepen collaboration between public authorities and social finance institutions, and expand funding instruments within the next Multiannual Finance Framework.
Their message is clear: without adequate investment and funding, the full transformative potential of the social economy cannot be realised.
