Here is the Action Plan for the Social Economy in Italy
The Action Plan for the Social Economy represents a strategic step towards defining a shared national vision for strengthening a sector that in Italy comprises a vast network of cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations and social enterprises, which are fundamental elements of the country’s economic and social fabric. In line with the European Council Recommendation of 27 November 2023, the document aims to adapt the guidelines of the European Action Plan, approved by the European Commission in December 2021, to the Italian context, enhancing national specificities and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
“The plan pays particular attention to multi-level governance and the need for the initiative not to remain confined to the national level, but to encourage the development of regional and local policies. This is also happening in Europe, because the social economy is, first and foremost, a local economy. The plan has a strong cultural value, but this must be accompanied by concrete incentives and adequate economic support, so as to encourage a growing number of regions and local authorities to integrate this issue into the definition of their policies and actions” – cit. Gianluca Salvatori, The Social Economy between Europe and Italy, Pandora Rivista, June 2025.
Through its scientific contribution and participation in discussions between institutions, organisations and networks in the third sector, EURICSE confirms its commitment to promoting analyses and tools capable of strengthening the social economy ecosystem in Italy and Europe.
Following the publication of the in-depth page on the social economy in Italy, with official data and interactive graphs to explore in detail the number of organisations, employment and the sector’s contribution to the national economy, a new study by the EURICSE Social Economy Observatory will soon be available. This in-depth analysis will provide an updated picture of the situation in Italy and contextualise the proposed National Plan, with contributions from experts and authoritative voices.
EURICSE took part in drafting the Action Plan for the Social Economy in Italy, which is now open for public consultation promoted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance until 12 November 2025. The participation of Secretary General Gianluca Salvatori in the interministerial working group – together with representatives from the world of cooperatives, the third sector entities, foundations, financial institutions and research (as already reported in this news item) – is an important recognition of the Institute’s role in contributing to the definition of public policies and promoting an economic model based on collective well-being, inclusion and social justice.