Social Economy Conference
The Belgian Presidency wishes to give a positive message on the social economy to the European bodies in order to underline the importance of considering the social economy in a transverse and integrated manner in the provisions adopted at European level, notably the Europe 2020 Strategy.
At European level, the social economy represents approximately 10 % of all European companies (in other words, approximately 2 million undertakings) and 6 % of total employment at European level. In these times of crisis, it is appropriate to remember that the social economy provides stable jobs – difficult to relocate as a result of their territorial anchorage. Moreover, the social economy provides an opportunity to reintegrate vulnerable groups into society and into working life.
The aim of the conference is to show the important role which the social economy can play within the framework of the broad guidelines of the European Union, principally the Europe 2020 Strategy. Indeed, the social economy suggests some responses as regards the integration of vulnerable persons, in particular within the framework of active inclusion, but also as regards combating poverty and the reintegration of disadvantaged persons into society.
It is also appropriate that the European Union provides the opportunity for social economy enterprises to develop themselves fully.