EFSSE 2016 (European Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy)

As part of the RIPESS EU – Solidarity Economy Europe strategy for the promotion of SSE, there is the engagement with those political processes and dialogue with political forces who are explicitly supportive of the SSE at the European level. RIPESS EU participates in the Social Economy EU parliamentary intergroup and follows issues related to SSE. In February 2015, members of RIPESS EU were present at the first meeting convened by a number of MEPs who intend to work on favoring the emerging of SSE across Europe.

In May 2015, the European United Left / Nordic Confederation Group (GUE / NGL) decided to turn its traditional support to the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) into one of its main strategic processes for this legislature (2014-2019).Therefore, the European parliamentary group has set as one of its main goals for 2016 the organisation of the First European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy (EFSSE), aiming at promoting an exchange of experiences among the different initiatives of the SSE in Europe, highlighting the problems faced by the sector, as well as its potential in tackling the crisis effects. Specific actions of political impact will be proposed intended to foster the consolidation and expansion of the SSE within the EU.

This forum will be held only one day on January 28 in Brussels and will be limited to 220/250 people and guests, including MEPs. Eight countries held preparatory meetings (Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, Germany), led by the MEPs concerned and organizations SSE relay they know.

THE FINAL PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE HERE.

We are therefore organizing amongst RIPESS Europe members, to have a presence especially for all members who would organize a delegation outside those 8 countries. We can provide speakers for the 3 plenaries and 9 workshops. There will also be an exhibition space to present experiences and networks.

The deadline (to suggest speakers and topics) was December 10th, 2015.

You can download the main documents with a draft program and the minutes of the preparatory meetings: