European Commission
A comprehensive policy initiative aimed at enhancing social economy potential and promoting sustainable development.
Policy Framework of the Social Economy Action Plan
The Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP), adopted by the European Commission on December 9, 2021, is a comprehensive policy initiative designed to unlock the full potential of the social economy across the European Union. The plan sets a strategic direction for the period 2021–2030, aiming to enhance social investment, support social economy actors, and foster innovation and job creation within the sector.
Key Pillars and Actions:
- Creating the Right Framework Conditions:
- Opening Opportunities and Capacity Building:
- Enhancing Recognition and Visibility:
SEAP seeks to improve the legal and policy environment for social economy organizations, including revising state aid rules, adapting taxation and public procurement frameworks, and promoting supportive legal recognition at national and EU levels.
The plan emphasizes access to finance, markets, and business support, including the launch of the EU Social Economy Gateway and the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation. It aims to facilitate the start-up, scaling, and professionalization of social enterprises and organizations.
SEAP prioritizes mapping, data collection, and public awareness campaigns to increase the visibility of the social economy. It also encourages the development of national strategies and supports the creation of local contact points and representative networks.
The plan details 38 concrete actions to be implemented over nine years, covering areas such as responsible public procurement, youth entrepreneurship, skills development, and the social economy’s contribution to the green and digital transitions.
Origin and Context
The SEAP builds on a decade of EU engagement with the social economy, notably following the 2011 Social Business Initiative and the 2016 Start-up and Scale-up Initiative. Its development was shaped by extensive consultations with stakeholders, including social economy organizations, member states, and EU institutions. The rationale for the plan emerged from the recognition that, despite progress, significant challenges remained: fragmented legal frameworks, limited access to finance, and insufficient visibility and recognition of the sector.
The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the resilience and societal value of the social economy, strengthening the case for a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive economic model. The SEAP aligns with broader EU priorities, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Green Deal, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Current Relevance in the Built Environment
The social economy is highly relevant to the built environment in Europe, particularly in the context of affordable housing, urban regeneration, and the green transition. SEAP explicitly recognizes the role of social economy actors-such as cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations, and social enterprises-in delivering housing solutions, supporting the Renovation Wave, and contributing to the New European Bauhaus initiative.
Key contributions include:
- Affordable and Non-Speculative Housing:
- Sustainable Urban Transformation:
- Community-Based Approaches:
The plan supports social procurement and the boosting of affordable housing, encouraging the use of social economy models to address housing shortages and promote inclusive urban development.
Social economy organizations are positioned as key players in the green and digital transitions, with a focus on circular economy practices, energy efficiency, and community-led urban initiatives.
By emphasizing democratic and participatory governance, SEAP fosters community-based living and collective ownership models, which are increasingly recognized as vital for resilient and sustainable cities.
The SEAP’s policy framework is thus directly influencing how social economy principles are being integrated into urban planning, housing policy, and the broader built environment across Europe, supporting a shift towards more equitable, sustainable, and community-oriented development.
References
- SEAP - European Commission - Social Economy Gateway
- Social Economy Action Plan - European Commission
- The Social Economy Action Plan is out: a new chapter begins (Social Economy Europe)
- Spotlight on the Social Economy Action Plan | Impact Europe
- EU action plan on social economy is launched (ILO)
- Short Briefing on the Social Economy Action Plan (EPR)
- European Action Plan for the Social Economy (Social Economy Europe)