A pivotal moment for the social economy in Europe
In 2021, the European Commission took a historic step by adopting the European Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP), recognising the crucial contribution of social enterprises (SEs) and their support organisations (SESOs) in building a more sustainable, inclusive Europe.
The SEAP set out a coordinated approach to strengthen and mainstream the social economy by 2030, backed by the joint efforts of DG EMPL and DG GROW. It represented a new era for the sector — one of shared ambition, recognition, and support.
But just a few years into implementation, the world has changed significantly. Europe’s political landscape, technological advances, and funding priorities have all evolved. To remain effective, the SEAP must also evolve — and that’s why EN is publishing a series of position papers reflecting on its implementation and future direction.
Spotlight on the Social Economy Gateway (SEG)
Our first paper focuses on the Social Economy Gateway (SEG) — a central feature of the SEAP envisioned as a one-stop-shop for all things related to the social economy at European level.
In its first years, the SEG has shown promise, but it must be further developed if it is to become the powerful coordination tool the sector needs. A strengthened SEG could:
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Provide visibility for funding opportunities, key publications and upcoming events
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Monitor SEAP implementation and showcase the status of each planned action
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Centralise knowledge on national policies, strategies and good practices
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Clarify links between the SEG and other EU-supported platforms like the Transition Pathway
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Foster collaboration with other platforms such as Social Innovation Match
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Increase transparency by replicating open data resources like those in the Cohesion Open Data Platform
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Preserve project outputs from EU-funded initiatives to prevent valuable knowledge from being lost
Why it matters
For SESOs across Europe — including national social enterprise associations, incubators and accelerators — access to clear, reliable and centralised information is vital. They are the backbone that supports social entrepreneurs to start, grow and create positive impact in their communities.
A well-developed SEG can help coordinate efforts, strengthen support systems, and accelerate the growth of social enterprises throughout Europe.
Looking ahead
The mid-term review of the SEAP is not just a checkpoint — it’s an opportunity to raise our collective ambition. By making the SEG a true hub for the social economy, the EU can equip stakeholders with the knowledge, tools and connections they need to deliver impact well beyond 2030.
