(translation from the original French)
Europe’s social economy is under serious threat.
A month ago, the Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) announced the abolition of the unit responsible for the social economy as of 1 May 2025. At the same time, the COSME call for projects dedicated to the social economy and the calls for services linked to the ‘Local and Social Economy’ budget line have been cancelled.
However, the social economy has consistently demonstrated its central role in the European economy. Present in all sectors of activity, it now represents more than 4 million businesses and organisations, employs 13.6 million people, and has distinguished itself by its resilience during the financial crises of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with this decision, which turns its back on years of efforts and institutional recognition, stakeholders in the sector – including Social Economy Europe and partner organisations such as POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ-PLS – are sounding the alarm. They are calling on the European Commission, and in particular Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, to maintain a strong institutional presence for the social economy within the European services.
A clear demand from social economy organisations
- The appointment of a key person dedicated to the social economy in the Commissioner’s department.
- The allocation of a sufficient budget to support the continuation of actions in favour of the sector.
The partners stress that their objective is not to demand the immediate recreation of the abolished unit, but to ensure that the social economy remains integrated into European priorities, in the service of a more democratic, inclusive, supportive and sustainable Europe.
With this in mind, an article calling for signatures has been drawn up to mobilise the public, civil society, elected representatives and the local, national and European media. It is essential to remember that the social economy is a strategic ally in achieving the European objectives of ecological transition, social inclusion and territorial cohesion.
The social economy is a force. Let’s defend it.