ADV România, RISE România – Rețeaua Română a Economiei Sociale, AFIN și Social Finance Association (SFA) se alătură demersului inițiat de Social Economy Europe, semnând o scrisoare deschisă adresată DG GROW. Documentul solicită menținerea unei reprezentări clare pentru economia socială în cadrul Comisiei Europene, prin desemnarea unui responsabil dedicat și alocarea unui buget adecvat pentru dezvoltarea sectorului.
Deși numirea comisarei Roxana Mînzatu aduce un anumit grad de continuitate, este esențial ca economia socială să rămână ancorată în politicile industriale ale Uniunii Europene. Doar printr-o abordare coerentă și integrată, Europa poate valorifica pe deplin potențialul acestui sector pentru o creștere durabilă, echitabilă și rezilientă.
Facem un apel la solidaritate și mobilizare! Viitorul economiei sociale în Europa depinde de acțiunile noastre de astăzi.
" />
Social Economy at Risk: Urgent Call to DG GROW
Social Economy at Risk: Urgent Call to DG GROW
DG GROW — the European Commission’s Directorate for Industry and SMEs — has announced plans to dismantle the Social Economy Unit starting May 1st. This decision comes at a critical moment for Europe and threatens to undermine the significant progress made in building a vital ecosystem for inclusion, sustainability, and social cohesion.
The social economy comprises over 4 million organizations and enterprises across Europe, employing more than 11 million people and contributing a GDP comparable to that of major industrial sectors. It is a key driver of local development, economic resilience, and democratic participation. Recognized by leading international institutions and unanimously supported by all 27 EU member states, the social economy deserves continued and meaningful institutional backing.
In today’s volatile geopolitical climate and amid growing economic and social challenges, withdrawing support for the social economy is both alarming and unjustified. Recent decisions, such as the abrupt suspension of COSME programme funding calls, are already impacting the sector.
In response, ADV Romania Group, RISE Romania – the Romanian Network for the Social Economy, AFIN, and the Social Finance Association (SFA) are joining the initiative led by Social Economy Europe, signing an open letter to DG GROW. This letter calls for maintaining clear representation for the social economy within the European Commission, through the appointment of a dedicated officer and the allocation of an appropriate budget to support the ecosystem.
While the appointment of Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu provides a measure of continuity, it is crucial that the social economy remains an integral part of the EU’s industrial policy. Only through a coherent, integrated approach can Europe truly unlock the potential of the social economy for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.
We call for solidarity and mobilization — the future of the social economy in Europe depends on the actions we take today.
April 30, 2025
