SOCIAL ECONOMY IN EURO-MEDITERRANEAN INSTITUTIONS

The Euro-Mediterranean organizations and the European Institutions involved in the social, economic and environmental development of the Mediterranean recognize the added value of the Social Economy:

• The Ministries of Labor and Employment of the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean consider that “the social and solidarity economy is not only an alternative way of providing economic, social and environmental value, but also a way smart way to harness resources, create sustainable employment and generate inclusive economic growth in the region. They request that social innovation be promoted and an enabling environment be created for social enterprises to unleash the full potential of the Social and Solidarity Economy. They recognize the role it will play in the context of the UfMs work program on industrial cooperation and the development of SMEs” (Ministerial Declaration of the Ministers of Employment and Labor of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) (2019)


• The European Commission points out that “thanks to its business models that place people and the planet at its centre, the social economy has the potential to solve numerous social challenges and increase the resilience of our society in times of crisis ” (Joint communication from the European Commission “Renewed partnership with the southern neighboring countries” JOIN (2021) 2 final. 2021).


• The Council of the EU states that it will “integrate the potential of the blue economy of the Mediterranean in the planning of economic development, together with the social economy” (Council Conclusions on a renewed partnership with the southern neighbourhood: a new Agenda for the Mediterranean) 2021)


• Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils of Cyprus recognizes “the role that the social economy sector can play in driving economic growth, eradicating poverty, establishing sustainable local development and improving labor market access and living conditions. decent employment, especially for women and youth, as well as for the various categories of disadvantaged workers” (2014)

In coordination with CEPES, the ESMED Network and SEE, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has organized several events whose conclusions mark the "road map" of measures to increase the contribution of the Social Economy to development inclusive and sustainable of the Euro-Mediterranean region:

• 2019: The Social Economy in the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans.


• 2020: "The social economy and recovery after the pandemic: Challenges and perspectives"


• 2021: "Towards a new social economy agenda for a sustainable Mediterranean and inclusive"