Europe: Commissioner tasked with developing an action plan for the social economy

Cecop hopes the new Commission will translate the plan into concrete measures in favour of worker ownership

The European Commission for 2019-2022 is looking to develop an Action Plan for Social Economy.

According to a letter sent by Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to Nicolas Schmidt, the European commissioner for jobs and social rights, the Commission will set out a social economy action plan to enhance social innovation.

Mr Schmidt has also been tasked with developing an action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, working in collaboration with the member states.

Cecop, the European confederation of industrial and service co-operatives, welcomed the action plan and said it looked forward to working with Commissioner Schmidt to translate it into concrete measures in favour of worker ownership, entrepreneurial diversity and quality employment.

Cecop’s president Giuseppe Guerini said: “The action plan for the social economy is a very good news for social economy actors and a first step towards a more comprehensive approach to social economy policies in Europe.

“Social economy is an important actor of job creation and social inclusion. We welcome this decision by President von der Leyen, while at the same time we hope there will be a structured coordination between him and commissioner for internal market Thierry Breton on this matter.”