The EU Proximity and Social Economy Platform is online
The European Commission has launched a new digital community designed to drive local economic growth, social innovation, and sustainability across Europe. The EU Proximity and Social Economy Platform is built for stakeholders in the social economy, sustainable businesses, and community-focused organisations. The platform aims to foster collaboration, learning, and resource-sharing to advance Europe’s green and digital transformation.
This platform builds on the Transition Pathway co-created by the European Commission and stakeholders active in the proximity and social economy, addressing Europe’s shift to a sustainable, resilient, and competitive economy. It offers a bottom-up approach for users to showcase initiatives, attend events, and share knowledge, and collaborate on solutions to social and environmental challenges within the proximity and social economy.
What is proximity and social economy
The proximity economy supports localised production and consumption, helping communities build resilience by keeping goods and services close to home. Social economy goes further, uniting organisations committed to prioritising people, strengthening local communities, and advancing social and environmental objectives.
«This is a truly exciting and first-of-its-kind initiative – something our members have been calling for year after year. The potential is as immense as the number of businesses and organisations across Europe that share the mission to grow the emerging proximity and social economy sector. We are thrilled to introduce this new community where knowledge-sharing and a human-centric approach are at the core». Gianluca Pastorelli, Executive President, DIESIS Network
Platform highlights and key functionality
The new EU Proximity and Social Economy Platform offers a unique space for makers, innovators, and community-focused individuals to shape their industry, including:
- Direct connections – connect with like-minded professionals who recognise the social potential in every transaction and prioritise circular and short value chains.
- Skills and network-building – access to technical sessions, annual events, and vibrant discussion forums to expand skills and grow networks.
- Best practice showcases – share pledges, innovative approaches and achievements within a collaborative environment.
- Targeted resources and training – learn from curated resources and tailored training opportunities.
- Funding and news – staying informed about funding opportunities, new initiatives and sector developments.
- Ambassadorship – become an Ambassador to lead discussions forums and shape the future of the twin transition for this ecosystem.
«We’ve been working for a decade with hundreds of member organisations across Europe and beyond to understand the needs of this growing community. This platform stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to enriching the social economy landscape through research-sharing and tailored training, keeping up with a job market that demands specific theoretical and practical skills, vision and a capacity for innovation». Gianluca Salvatori, Secretary General, EURICSE
«With the launch of the platform, we are creating a much-needed space for small businesses, social enterprises, social economy enterprises and community organisations to lead on Europe’s green and digital transformation. This way, we equip stakeholders with resources and networks designed to amplify local economic impact and support sustainable practices. We are committed to empowering these essential actors as they drive inclusive growth and resilience across the EU». Pierre Hausemer, EY Consulting Partner for EU Institutions, EY Belgium.
Join the community
The Platform is open for registrations and free to use for organisations and individuals across all EU member states and members of the Single Market Programme. The platform allows all users to contribute based on their expertise and resources – from home, in Europe – driving a sustainable, competitive, and resilient future.
