**Brussels**: A new EU initiative, the Proximity and Social Economy Platform, aims to enhance collaboration and resource-sharing among social economy actors, following the launch event where key stakeholders discussed their commitments to green and digital transitions, amidst a backdrop of varied participation from across Europe.
A new European Union initiative, the Proximity and Social Economy Platform, was launched on 6 February 2023 during an online event aimed at fostering collaboration, learning, and resource-sharing among social economy actors. This initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance the green and digital transitions within the industrial sector, highlighting the importance of social enterprises in achieving this transformation.
Key stakeholders from various sectors participated in the launch, including Simel Esim, head of the Cooperative Unit at the International Labour Organisation, who emphasised the EU’s pivotal role in shaping narratives within the social economy. Esim noted that effective support programmes are essential for the success of social economy actors, stressing the need for immediate crisis responses to be aligned with long-term development efforts. “We remain committed to deepening our collaboration,” she stated.
The platform’s launch follows the 2022 publication of the Transition Pathway for Proximity and Social Economy, in which the European Commission called for pledges that social economy entities and relevant stakeholders could undertake to support the objectives outlined in this pathway. By November 2024, a total of 214 pledges have been submitted, with 60% focusing on green transition efforts. The area of addressing the skills gap received particular attention, garnering 28 pledges, while other notable areas included business-to-business collaboration with 24 pledges and enhancing digital skills, which drew 22 pledges. Notably, social economy entities accounted for 30% of the total pledges, more than any other sector within the social economy.
However, the response in terms of pledges for the digital transition was found to be less robust, with only 34% of the total. Participation from Eastern European and Nordic countries also appeared lower than expected, indicating a need for increased engagement in these regions. Furthermore, the academic sector did not submit any pledges, suggesting a need for stronger connections between the Commission and academic institutions. Organisations are welcome to continue submitting pledges until 1 June.
As part of the launch event, representatives from several organisations provided insights into their pledged actions. Angela Achitei, president of ADV Group, highlighted how social enterprises are addressing digital exclusion while fostering green innovation and creating socially responsible job opportunities. One notable initiative under ADV is Job Direct, which connects disabled individuals with employers and aids companies in incorporating assistive technology to improve workplace conditions.
Nick Weir, community facilitator for Open Food Network Europe, shared how their food hubs are enabling small-scale farmers to collaborate effectively to secure public sector contracts. He underscored the importance of ownership and control within the social economy, advocating for a co-operative approach that empowers community participation.
Sofia Breitholtz, CEO of Reach for Change, pointed out the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks and the importance of participatory governance in social enterprises. She argued for the inclusion of beneficiaries throughout the development process, ensuring their perspectives are considered from inception to implementation.
The platform is implemented in collaboration with the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (Euricse). Ilana Gotz, a project manager at Euricse, explained that the platform’s objective is to facilitate online conversations and knowledge exchange among social economy actors. It will feature sections dedicated to best practices, news, and seven thematic areas pertinent to social economy initiatives.
To promote the platform, the European Commission has appointed various ambassadors who will support its goals. Erdmuthe Klaer-Morselli, Jaume Puigpinos, and Konstantinos Papadakis attended the launch, each expressing their hopes for fostering connections and advocating for the integration of social economy considerations into broader economic strategies.
Klaer-Morselli wishes to gather evidence demonstrating the social economy’s value for policymakers, particularly regarding the management of public and civic spaces. Puigpinos aims to amplify the visibility of Catalonia’s social enterprise sector, advocating for more cohesive movements across Europe. Papadakis highlighted the diversity within the social economy, noting that this variety can present both challenges and opportunities in policy creation.
The platform stands as a critical resource for collective action among various stakeholders, offering an avenue for co-created solutions to emerge within the social economy framework. Participants were encouraged to explore its offerings thoroughly, as it represents an important step towards enhancing collaboration and effecting real-world impact within the EU’s socio-economic landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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