The 11th General Assembly took place from 17 till 20 September in Wroclaw and it was hosted by our member Fair Trade Poland. Ways of improving networking and collaborations, among members and partners, were discussed, and priorities were set for 2023. Emphasis was given in increasing the network’s effectiveness.

As we enter our second decade, after two years of Covid crisis, the war in Ukraine and ever more evident climate change, and a political and economical environment which is rapidly changing, our triple objective of promoting social solidarity economy ecosystems throughout the continent and beyond, making SSE more visible and recognized – both institutionally and in public opinion – and contributing to the strengthening of a plural social movement of transformative economies has become even more challenging.

Moreover, after several years of trying to focus more on Central and Eastern Europe, we finally met in the region and dedicated time and effort to exchange with members and other networks and organisations and learn more about how SSE is developing and what are the forms of inter-cooperation that can be further promoted.

This was a very important annual Assembly: it was a crucial time to re-assess our fundamentals (and start a process for a renewed European charter or manifesto of Solidarity Economy), to reinforce our governance and networking (and introduce new people in the coordination), to re-orient our strategy and objectives for the next years, in light of the new European policies, the relations with allies and partners, as we consolidate the network now present in 22 countries.

The General Assembly is a community-building space, to exchange knowledge and experiences and to establish intersectional partnerships with other members of the RIPESS Europe community.   

•   GA Report 2022