Welcome to the EU Social Economy Gateway

Find information for and about the social economy in Europe.

Learn more about:

the concept of social economy
the social economy action plan
relevant EU funding programmes
social economy ecosystems in the EU Member States

A resources section and stakeholder content in the "on the ground" section provide further guidance and information.

What's new?

New ongoing consultations added
Call for Expression of Interest to join the drafting committee developing a “Code of Conduct for data management and data sharing in the social economy”
New tender published: "Transition pathway stakeholder support platform: implementation for the ‘proximity and social economy’ ecosystem".

Social economy action plan – time horizon: 2030

Commissioners Schmit (right) and Breton (left) at the SEAP launch event in December 2021 — Commissioners Schmit (right) and Breton (left) at the launch event of the social economy action plan in December 2021

With more than 60 actions outlined in the social economy action plan, the European Commission is dedicated to implementing an ambitious programme aimed at improving the framework conditions for the social economy.

We hope to count on your support to help us achieve our shared objectives.

A midterm review on the implementation of the action plan is scheduled for 2025.

Learn more about the social economy action plan

What is in it for me?

For public officials

Public officials are key in building thriving social economy ecosystems. If you are new to the topic, the Social Economy Gateway provides key information about the potential of the social economy. Learn more about EU initiatives, find out how the social economy ecosystem looks like in your country and beyond.

If you are already familiar with the social economy, the useful resources section of the portal serves as a valuable tool to stay informed. Stay up to date with the latest reports, events, and videos that provide fresh perspectives and insights.

Discover EU initiatives on social economy

For people working in the social economy

Are you already working in a social economy organisation? Discover more about EU funding programmes that may be relevant for your organisation. The Social Economy Gateway may also be useful for finding social economy networks and upcoming events.

You might also find it engaging to explore our on the ground section, which showcases stakeholder articles highlighting the work of your fellow peers.

Check out EU funding programmes

woman seeing elements on a transparent screen

For people interested in social economy

Are you contemplating the idea of launching a social enterprise? Or perhaps you are intrigued by alternative business models that prioritise societal and environmental impact? The Social Economy Gateway is your gateway to explore the diversity and potential of the social economy...

Find out what happens in your country

With and for the social economy

The idea of creating a website to compile relevant information for the social economy originated from consultations with various stakeholders during the development of the social economy action plan. The European Commission embraced this idea and integrated the Social Economy Gateway as one of the ten key actions in the plan.

The structure and content of the Gateway were developed in consultation with numerous stakeholders in 2022 and 2023. Moving forward, this project will continue to be implemented in close collaboration with the social economy.

This is just the beginning...

The launch of the Social Economy Gateway on 13 June 2023 is just a starting point. More content will be added over time.

The European Commission is looking forward to continuing the collaboration with social economy stakeholders.

Recently added:

Our new section "topics in focus" will dive into relevant topics for the social economy. The first two topics added are State aid and skills.

Upcoming content will include:

More "topics in focus" will be added, such as socially responsible (public) procurement and impact measurement.
The Gateway will continue to expand its collection of resources, providing a wealth of valuable materials for social economy stakeholders.
The on the ground section will regularly feature new articles from stakeholders within the social economy.