Season 3, Episode 3 of The Social Economist takes a closer look at how recent European policy changes are impacting the continent’s most ambitious and sustainable social enterprises.
In this episode, our host Toby Gazeley from Euclid Network is joined by Malo Bourel from Mouvement Impact France to unpack how the evolving European policy environment is shaping the future of the social economy in 2025.
Understanding the Policy Landscape
Toby and Malo explore the implications of key EU initiatives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These directives aim to promote greater corporate accountability and transparency. However, as the conversation reveals, they may also create new burdens for the very organisations leading on sustainability and impact.
Building on the Business for a Better Tomorrow Coalition’s manifesto, published ahead of the 2024 European elections, the discussion reflects on how Europe’s sustainability agenda and economic priorities have shifted and what this means for social and impact enterprises seeking to balance purpose with performance.
The Global Dimension
The episode also touches on recent international trade disputes, exploring how global negotiations, often perceived as distant from the day-to-day operations of social enterprises, can have tangible consequences for the social economy. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of policy, trade, and impact and how changes at the highest levels can ripple down to affect smaller, mission-driven organisations.
Recommendations and Reflections
Malo and Toby close the episode by sharing their podcast recommendations:
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Malo’s recommendation: Loin des yeux, loin du care — a French-language podcast exploring care, society, and social impact.
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Toby’s recommendation: The Crime Agents — a UK-based series investigating stories of crime, justice, and reporting.
For questions, comments, or feedback, listeners are encouraged to contact Toby at toby@euclidnetwork.eu.
The Social Economist is produced by Jan Kiszowara and supported by the European Commission. Theme music: “another twelve” by Mikel Patrick Avery, Music for Podcasts.
