Arcticle by Ripess Europe
RIPESS Europe notes with deep concern the recent decision by the European Commission – DG GROW (Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) to disband the Social Economy Unit in DG GROW as of 1 May 2025. This sudden decision has been taken with no involvement of the social economy actors, no explanation or motivation and in contraddiction with all previous strategic plans – including the European Green Deal and the Commission’s action plan for Social Economy.
Also without explanation and in an uprecedented way, the COSME call for projects dedicated to the social economy and the service contracts related to the “Social and Proximity Economy” budget line have been cancelled, with many proposals having been presented by SSE actors all over Europe.
This unfortunate decision comes at a time when social and ecological challenges demand stronger, not weaker, support for transformative economic approaches. The Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) offers vital contributions to the well-being of communities across Europe, fostering democratic participation, local resilience, and ecological responsibility.
Scaling back institutional support for it sends a troubling signal about the direction of European policy at a moment when solidarity and cooperation are urgently needed.
We respectfully ask what the motivations are behind this shift. Why, at a time of multiple crises, is investment in socially rooted, community-based economies being reduced? What process led to this decision? The timing raises serious concerns, particularly as it coincides with increased allocations for military and security strategies. We hope this is not indicative of a broader political realignment that risks sidelining social justice and peace-building in favor of other agendas that put all of Europe at risk of war escalation and long-term debt and insecurity.
We call for transparency regarding any planned measures to support and rehabilitate Social Economy funding and engagement at the EU level. It is essential that public policy remains aligned with the values of inclusion, democracy, and sustainability. RIPESS Europe stands ready to work with institutions at all levels and civil society to ensure the Social Solidarity Economy continues to play a central role in building a just and peaceful future for all.
Statement from Social Economy Europe Network https://www.socialeconomy.eu.org/2025/04/30/the-implications-of-dg-grow-abandoning-the-social-economy-at-a-critical-juncture/
