A new special Eurobarometer published on 28 October shows that 75% of Europeans recognise the importance of the social economy for the well-being of society. Social economy organisations put people, communities and the environment first and play a crucial role in addressing social challenges.
A significant majority support increased support for the social economy, in particular through support for social economy organisations (88%), awareness raising (86%), help to set up social economy organisations (86%) and direct public financial support (80%). In addition, a significant number of Europeans (93%) believe that enterprises should be guided by social economy values, focusing on social and environmental objectives, redistributing profits and operating with democratic governance structures.
The results show that half of Europeans have engaged with the social economy in the last five years, usually through activities such as volunteering (18%), donations (18%) or as customers (15%). In addition, one in three Europeans receives support from the social economy in areas such as education, training and housing.
Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Employment and Skills, Roxana Mînzatu said: “The social economy is part of the daily lives of Europeans. It employs more than 11.5 million people and addresses key social challenges, while putting people and the planet first. We will announce new measures to strengthen Europe’s social economy in the mid-term review of our action plan next year”.
More information: European Commission
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