The European social economy is currently under serious threat.
A month ago, the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) announced the dissolution of the unit responsible for social economy as of May 1, 2025. At the same time, the COSME call for projects dedicated to the social economy and the service contracts related to the “Social and Proximity Economy” budget line have been cancelled.
Yet, the social economy has consistently demonstrated its central role within the European economy. Present in all sectors of activity, it now represents more than 4 million enterprises and organizations, employs 13.6 million people, and has stood out for its resilience during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to this decision, which undermines years of effort and institutional recognition, stakeholders in the sector – including Social Economy Europe and partner organizations such as POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ-PLS – are sounding the alarm. They are calling on the European Commission, and in particular Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, to ensure a strong institutional presence for the social economy within the European administration.
A Clear Demand from Social Economy organizations
- The appointment of a key person dedicated to the social economy within the Commissioner’s department.
- The allocation of a sufficient budget to support continued actions in favor of the sector.
The partners emphasize that their goal is not to demand the immediate re-creation of the dissolved unit, but to ensure that the social economy remains embedded in European priorities, serving a more democratic, inclusive, united, and sustainable Europe.
In this spirit, a signature appeal article has been drafted to widely mobilize the public, civil society, elected officials, and local, national, and European media. It is essential to recall that the social economy is a strategic ally in achieving Europe’s objectives for ecological transition, social inclusion, and territorial cohesion.
The social economy is a strength. Let’s defend it.
