“Democracy at Work: Social Economy actors bringing EU values to citizens” was a three-session online event that took place on the 9th, 16th, and 23rd of April. These online sessions showcased how the Social Economy advances European values, active citizenship, and a resilient, people-centred economy.
Organised under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, these webinar sessions aligned with the Presidency’s policy priorities on Strengthening EU industrial capacity in strategic sectors – including the Social Economy, improving citizens’ economic and social well-being, and promoting active citizenship and democratic participation.
You can find the recording of the sessions here.
Part 1: Social Economy as a Driver of Competitiveness
The session included representatives from the energy, digital, industry, tourism and ethical finance sectors, who shared their insights and experiences.
The webinar highlighted the unique capacity of the social economy to respond to the European Union’s key challenges. It made clear that the social economy is not just an alternative model, but a strategic choice that must be fully integrated into the EU’s competitiveness agenda. As a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and reindustrialisation, the social economy plays a crucial role in ensuring industrial autonomy, making sure value is created and kept locally, shaping a more sustainable and inclusive European future.
Read more here.
Part 2: Social Economy as a Pillar for Democracy
Representatives from the local and regional social economy network, cooperatives, public authorities, civil society organisations and research centres participated in this session to share their insights and experiences in building a vibrant democratic ecosystem.
This second webinar demonstrated that the social economy is not just another component of a democratic society, it strengthens democracy by embedding democratic governance within enterprises and associations. For these reasons social economy is a strong pillar that must be reinforced within EU’s priorities. By fostering participatory and democratic models, the social economy significantly contributes to promoting EU values and reinforcing democracy at large.
Read more here.
Part 3: Implementing the SEAP (mid-term review & next steps)
The third and last session focused on the implementation of the Social Economy Action Plan, addressing both EU-level policy measures and the development of national Social Economy strategies. It brought together stakeholders from across the Social Economy ecosystem and representatives of different EU institutions and MS to assess progress, identify remaining gaps, and examine emerging challenges.
It underscored that, while the Social Economy Action Plan has made meaningful progress, its full potential will depend on effective implementation, adequate resourcing, and sustained political will.
Read more here.
