Social Economy Europe has published its reaction paper to the European Commission’s Mid-Term Review of the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP). SEE welcomes the progress achieved so far, including the Council Recommendation, improved access to finance, stronger EU-level recognition of the social economy, and the establishment of a common European definition of the social economy. Indeed, this definition is a major milestone, providing a common understanding when advocating for adapted frameworks in ongoing negotiations such as the GBER revision, the public procurement directives and the next MFF.
At the same time, SEE underlines the importance of further strengthening the role of the social economy in EU industrial policy, competitiveness, democracy, civic space, territorial and social cohesion, social investment and Europe’s response to the current international context. The paper also highlights key challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, pressure on communities and social services, the relevance of renewed cross-DG coordination, balanced recognition of all social economy families, and a co-designed post-2030 agenda.
