GECES calls for reinforced EU commitment to Social Economy after DG GROW restructuring

2 May 2025

EURICSE, toghether with other members of the European Commission’s Expert Group on the Social Economy and Social Enterprises (GECES), signed a joint statement addressing the discontinuation of the unit dedicated to the social economy within DG GROW. The social economy embodies fundamental values that the Europen Union does not hesitate to defend, and this vision requires cross institutional support.

The statement calls on the Commission to ensure that the social economy remains a priority, backed by the necessary expertise, visibility and organisational resources.

Here are the key points from the GECES joint statement regarding the discontinuation of the Social Economy Unit in DG GROW:

  1. Surprise and Concern Over the Decision
    The GECES members were not consulted or informed in advance about the abolition of the DG GROW unit, which was unexpected and deeply concerning.
  2. Need for a Holistic Approach
    The social economy should be viewed through multiple lenses, not only social and labor policies but also entrepreneurship, industrial strategy, and broader transitions. This multi-faceted perspective is necessary to address the ecosystem’s complexity.
  3. Value of DG GROW’s Contribution
    The discontinued unit played a crucial role in advancing the social economy agenda, and its removal weakens cross-sector collaboration.
  4. Urgent Call to Action
    The letter urges the European Commission to maintain strong institutional support for the social economy across DGs, especially in implementing key EU initiatives like the Social Economy Action Plan and the Transition Pathway.
  5. Social Economy’s Strategic Importance
    It is portrayed not as a niche, but as a strategic tool for sustainable and inclusive economic development—supporting EU values like solidarity, democracy, and fairness.
  6. Cross-DG Involvement is Crucial
    The statement emphasizes that confining responsibility to DG EMPL is inadequate. Issues like public procurement require continued involvement from DG GROW.
  7. Reaffirmed Commitment
    GECES members reaffirm their dedication to advancing the social economy as a central pillar of Europe’s development strategy.
  8. Request for Dialogue
    The statement ends with a request for a meeting with the responsible Commissioner to reaffirm support and chart a path forward.

 

Read the statement 
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