Social Economy Europe’s President, Juan Antonio Pedreño, participated in the high-level dialogue “Cooperatives build a better world” at the Euractiv headquarters, organised by Servimedia, on 19 November.
The event brought together key figures, including Antonio Mingorance (President of Bidafarma), Giuseppe Guerini (President of Cooperatives Europe & Vice-President of Social Economy Europe), Dolors Montserrat (Spokesperson for the European People’s Party), Leire Pajín (Secretary-General of PSOE in the European Parliament), and Carlos Zarco (President of the International Organisation of Health Cooperatives). The dialogue also featured pre-recorded contributions from Roxana Minzatu ( Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness at the European Commission) and Iratxe García Pérez (MEP of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats).
During the discussion, Juan Antonio Pedreño highlighted concerns regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework proposed by the European Commission for 2028–2034, citing the potential loss of support for the social economy. He emphasised that this could divert “the focus” from the EU’s goal of achieving “strategic autonomy.”
“We are not an alternative model, we are a reality that brings solutions, but we need the EU to support us; we need policies that strengthen the social economy,” said Pedreño.
Other key messages from the dialogue included:
- “Social economy brings innovation and growth; it is at the heart of the European economy,” claimed Roxana Minzatu.
- “Cooperatives help make the economy stronger. They provide jobs and quality employment,” emphasised Dolors Montserrat.
- “To guarantee security in Europe, the social pillar is essential. The European Commission’s budget proposal, as it stands, goes in the opposite direction to what we had advocated. That is why we have strongly opposed this budget and why we will continue to fight across all sectors,” stated Leire Pajín.
- “100 million households around the world have access to healthcare thanks to cooperatives. We need to strengthen these figures and reaffirm our role,” said Carlos Zarco.
- “Cooperatives handle 85% of pharmaceutical distribution in Spain, highlighting their crucial role in the healthcare sector,” reminded Antonio Mingorance.
- “The EU’s current proposal goes against its own core principles. We need a stronger, more united Europe that works for its people. Cooperatives can play a very important role in achieving this,” defended Giuseppe Guerini.
At a time when the first draft of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework is under discussion, speakers stressed that the social economy must remain visible on the EU’s agenda. Pedreño concluded:
“The social economy is providing solutions, and we need political support from Europe to strengthen our impact, ensure sustainable growth, and guarantee that the social economy ecosystem continues contributing to jobs, innovation, and social well-being across the continent.”
