The Social Economy Barometer in Romania – 2025 Edition provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of one of the most dynamic sectors in the national economy: the social economy. The study was conducted as part of the “SEEDing – Social Enterprising” project, coordinated by the Social Finance Association (SFA), in partnership with ADV România Group, the RISE Network, and AFIN IFN, with financial support from the Romanian-American Foundation.

Now in its fourth edition, the report combines official statistical data with a national survey among social enterprises and will serve as a foundation for the new Social Economy Development Strategy to be developed by the Ministry of Labor in the near future.

What’s New in the 2025 Edition?

A comprehensive analysis that combines official statistical data with the findings of a sociological survey conducted among social economy enterprises.

An overview of over 5,800 social enterprises established in 2024, which created nearly 30,000 jobs — more than 60% dedicated to individuals from vulnerable groups.

A detailed map of the actors involved in the social economy ecosystem, from governmental structures and public institutions to work integration social enterprises (WISEs), cooperatives, and authorized protected units.

Key Findings of the Study Highlight:

• The urgent need to simplify and align existing legislation (Social Economy Law, Fiscal Code, Unemployment Law, etc.);
• The positive impact of EU funds, but also the sustainability risk in the absence of post-implementation support;
• The need for a real support framework not only for start-ups, but also for existing social enterprises;
• The importance of institutional strengthening and public policies tailored to on-the-ground realities.

A Scientific Study with Systemic Implications

The Social Economy Barometer is the result of an extensive scientific study that explores two essential dimensions for understanding and developing this sector.

On one hand, it looks back — providing an in-depth analysis of the social economy’s evolution over the past ten years, identifying key growth directions and the structural blockages that hindered its full potential.

On the other hand, it looks ahead — proposing concrete solutions and emphasizing the public policies that must be implemented to strengthen the social economy in Romania, transforming it into a true engine for inclusion and sustainability.

• Retrospective analysis of the sector’s development over the last decade, with a focus on growth pace, progress areas, and structural blockages;
• Forward-looking projections, with development scenarios and necessary policy recommendations for positioning social economy as a pillar of social inclusion and green transition in Romania.

Diagnosis: Socio-Economic Realities Requiring Immediate Action

The study outlines a socio-economic context marked by systemic vulnerabilities:

• 27.9% of Romanians are at risk of poverty or social exclusion;
• 33.8% of children live in poverty, above the EU average of 24.2%;
• 19.3% of young people aged 15–29 are NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), with an alarming 24.8% among women — the highest in the EU;
• Early school leaving reached 16.8% in 2024 — the highest rate in the EU;
• Only 12.8% of GDP is allocated to social protection — among the lowest in the European Union.

These indicators highlight the urgent need for alternative mechanisms of inclusion. In this context, the social economy emerges as a pragmatic and immediate solution, capable of creating real opportunities for those left behind by the traditional economy.

A Major Step Forward

For the first time in Romania, the year 2024 marked the establishment of the National Commission for Social Economy – a joint decision-making body designed to foster dialogue and support the sector’s development. Additionally, the launch of a national blended finance scheme (credit-grant mix with state guarantees), tailored specifically for social enterprises, is currently being prepared.

The Performance of the Social Economy: An Underutilized Strategic Resource

Findings from the 2025 edition of the Social Economy Barometer reveal that:

• Romania has 122,754 entities with social impact;
• Out of 2,932 certified social enterprises between 2016–2024, only 1,836 currently hold an active certificate. These enterprises have created 4,036 jobs and contributed 96.5 million lei to the economy (approximately 0.03% of GDP);
• Through the Just Transition and Danube Delta ITI FSE+ programs, over 6,800 new social enterprises are expected to emerge by 2026, generating nearly 30,000 new jobs, two-thirds of which will be dedicated to people from vulnerable groups.

“The social economy is the missing link between poverty policies, the labor market, and the green transition. With the right financial instruments, political will, and genuine partnerships, this sector can become the driving force of social inclusion in Romania.”

— Angela Achiței, President of ADV Romania Group

A New Vision for Social Economy Development by 2030

The ADV România – Social Finance Association – AFIN IFN S.A – RISE România Rețeaua Română a Economiei Sociale (Romanian Social Economy Network) ecosystem puts forward an ambitious vision:

By 2030, the social economy should become the main driver of inclusive employment, quality community services, and the green transition — doubling its economic footprint and significantly contributing to reducing social exclusion in the most vulnerable communities.

This transformation requires:

• A coherent and modernized legislative framework, with real incentives and benefits;
• A tailored financing mix – including grants, loans, social investments, and reserved public procurement;
• Investment in skills and lifelong learning for both social entrepreneurs and local administrations;
• Thematic networks and platforms for cooperation, social innovation, and impact promotion.

Social Economy Barometer: A Starting Point for the New National Strategy 2025–2032

In the second half of 2025, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity will initiate the process of drafting the National Strategy for the Development of the Social Economy (2025–2032). This strategy will be grounded in multiple data sources and contextual analyses, including the findings from the 2025 edition of the Social Economy Barometer. The study’s results will also be presented to the interministerial working group and will play a key role in shaping funding and regulatory priorities.

Official Launch of the 2025 Social Economy Barometer

The report was launched in the presence of its authors:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ciprian Iftimoaei (Petre Andrei University of Iași)
• Lect. Dr. Vicențiu-Robert Gabor (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași)
• alongside
• Angela Achiței, President of ADV Romania
• Elena Vasiliu, who moderated the event

Useful Resources

All four editions of the Social Economy Barometer are available online, providing essential data, analyses, and policy recommendations for decision-makers, social entrepreneurs, and public institutions:

➡ https://alaturidevoi.ro/barometrul-economiei-sociale-in-romania/

The full recording of the 2025 launch event can be viewed on ADV Romania’s YouTube channel:

➡ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTME8OIvzGY

📊 Discover the Real Impact of the Social Economy in Romania!

The 2025 Social Economy Barometer is here — your essential resource to understand one of the fastest-growing sectors in Romania.