When the European Commission adopted the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) in 2021, it marked a milestone for the recognition and development of the social economy across Europe. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, the SEAP set out a coordinated vision to strengthen, mainstream, and scale up the social economy by 2030, supported by DG EMPL and DG GROW.
Just a few years on, however, the landscape has evolved. Europe now faces shifting political priorities, rapid technological change, and new funding dynamics. Against this backdrop, the mid-term review of the SEAP offers an opportunity to renew ambition and ensure that the plan remains responsive to the needs of social enterprises (SEs) and their support organisations (SESOs).
EN’s latest series of papers explores how SEAP implementation can be strengthened in this changing context. The newest publication focuses on one key mechanism: Mutual Learning Workshops (MLWs) for Public Officials.
Mutual Learning Workshops: A Platform for Policy Impact
The Mutual Learning Workshops (MLWs) have been a cornerstone of the Commission’s efforts to engage national policymakers and support SEAP implementation at the ecosystem level. They serve as spaces for exchange, reflection, and alignment — helping to connect national authorities with European-level objectives.
However, EN’s analysis finds that these workshops could deliver even greater impact if designed to engage not only policymakers but also national social economy stakeholders. Involving social enterprises, intermediaries, and civil society actors would enrich discussions, ensure grounded policymaking, and foster trust and collaboration between administrations and the ecosystems they serve.
For instance, as countries develop national social economy strategies following the Council Recommendation, this participatory approach could help build shared visions and encourage broader buy-in from Member States.
Strengthening Participation and Relevance
EN’s paper also highlights key gaps in participation and expertise. In several workshops, not all Member States were represented — and in some cases, delegates were not specialists in the topic under discussion (such as State Aid). This inconsistency risks undermining the value and inclusivity of the MLWs.
To address this, EN recommends ensuring that:
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All Member States participate consistently in the MLWs.
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Representatives have relevant expertise in the workshop’s thematic area.
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DG EMPL reflects on the impact of past MLWs to identify high-value topics and potential areas for follow-up sessions.
These steps would not only maximise the value of the workshops but also help ensure that Member States dedicate sufficient resources and attention to advancing the social economy through every available policy lever.
Looking Ahead
As the SEAP enters its next phase, the Mutual Learning Workshops can continue to play a pivotal role in translating European ambition into national and local action. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between policymakers and social economy stakeholders, they can strengthen Europe’s collective capacity to build an economy that works for people.
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them
