There’s plenty going on inside the Brussels bubble that will affect how the social economy is supported – or not – around the European Union. Toby Gazeley deciphers the latest news from the EU capital and tells us what to look out for next.
Funded by the EU and SAP, €0.5m initiative aims to facilitate partnerships between big businesses and social enterprises across the continent, with backing of 23 founding partners including SEWF and Yunus Social Business.
The EU's eastern and southern neighbours gather in Tbilisi to trade their best ideas for developing a nascent impact economy, backed by a “huge” European Commission presence. Plus, we meet the “human switchboard”, Suzanne Biegel.
Maggie O'Carroll was once told to get herself “a little job”. Instead, she set up The Women's Organisation – sparking over 4,000 new businesses. She speaks to us about Brexit, social investment headaches – and going beyond “vanity” metrics.
INTERVIEW: One year after the EU’s Social Economy Action Plan was unveiled, a key architect of the plan tells us why consensus came quickly, why there may be a silver lining in today’s crises – and why his biggest fear is ‘blurred lines’ and social-washing.
Catalyst 2030 network mobilises some 1,000 organisations worldwide to sign open letter calling for end to short-term funding focused on symptoms, as network’s Systemic Change Awards go to SAP, European Commission and more.
Ukrainian Social Academy board member says war has “hurt” – but not destroyed – the nation’s long history of business with a social mission. Now, it needs support to help create jobs for displaced Ukrainians.
A European status would enable social enterprises to gain recognition across member states and take advantage of single market, according to Nicolas Schmit – while fellow EU official Thierry Breton says social economy crucial to future of bloc.
Is the European Commission now “in love with” the social economy? Detailed package of measures to promote social enterprises, cooperatives, charities and more is hailed as “huge development for our sector”.
