News

Two major events about work integration social enterprises have been held in Brussels this month. The European Network of Social Integration of Enterprises (ENSIE) organized the conference “Work Integration social enterprises: Investing in social Europe” at the European Parliament on November 14, 2013. Our member, the European Confederation of Workers' Co-operatives, Social Co-operatives and Social and Participative Enterprises (CECOP) held the conference “Cooperatives and work integration of disadvantaged people” on November 25 at the European Economic and Social Committee. Both events have been opportunities of fruitful discussions between actors from social integration enterprises and representatives from the European institutions.

Social enterprises working for the social and professional life of persons with disabilities and disadvantaged persons are playing a key role today – especially now with the social and economic effects of the crisis, by the choice of austerity measures made by many governments in Europe. More and more people are today experiencing long term unemployment, a lower quality of life, and a precarious social situation. As always, the most vulnerable groups are suffering from the cuts on inclusion policies imposed by budgetary restraint. Barbara Helfferich, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) – our member – underlined that these organizations are essential while nearly 124 million of people are at risk of falling into poverty. Social enterprises creating sustainable jobs with no risks of relocation, are contributing to strengthening social cohesion.

Carlotta Besozzi, Director of the European Disability Forum – our member – highlighted that these enterprises are doing far more than just providing jobs to people. Through the quality trainings they give, they help persons with disabilities develop key personal and professional skills which are essential for personal development and to enter the job market. For instance, in Bulgaria and Romania, cooperatives are the first employer for persons with disabilities.

These two conferences put in the lime light the issues crossed by social enterprises working on social integration in Europe. It is urgent to strengthen the social pillar of the European Union, and involve all levels of government to give better recognition and support to social enterprises. It is also needed to simplify the legal and regulatory framework and facilitate access to states aid, structural funds, and public procurement procedures. Last but not least, more recognition is needed for the development of these entities and their activities. This could be achieved by improving the inclusion of social economy in school curricula and the creation of European status for cooperatives and social enterprises.