Yesterday in Brussels the European Parliament adopted a report on social economy presented by Patrizia Toia MEP (Partito Democratico, Italy - ALDE) with 580 votes in favour, 27 against and 44 abstention.

SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE welcomes the adoption of this own initiative report on social economy. The very large majority in favour of the reports shows that Members of the European Parliament have acknowledged the importance for a greater recognition of social economy. Social economy represents 10% of all European businesses, with two million enterprises or 6% of total employment but lacks visibility and support.

The report calls for the recognition of the concept of social economy - as a sector that comprises cooperatives, associations, foundations and mutual societies. It calls for legal recognition, through the creation of European statutes for associations, foundations and mutual societies. Statistical recognition at EU and Member states level is also needed to allow for the sector to get a much needed visibility. Furthermore, the participation of components of social economy into the social dialogue is encouraged. By the vote of this report, MEPs have been addressing the role of social economy as a key operator for fulfilling the Lisbon objectives.

SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE sees yesterday's vote as a great step forward that will be beneficial for all social economy enterprises. These enterprises have specificities and share values and are not driven only by profit but also by social benefits. Yesterday, the European Parliament has reaffirmed the need for the European Union and the Member States to recognise the diversity of entrepreneurial forms, particularly in this period of economic crisis.

For more information: Karine Pflüger, SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE

Social Economy Europe is the EU-level umbrella organisation representing social economy enterprises and organisations that share the values defined in the Charter of Principles for the Social Economy.

Social Economy Europe members are : AMICE (Association of Mutual Insurers and Insurance Cooperatives in Europe) AIM (International Association of Mutual benefit societies) CEDAG (European Council for non-profit organisations) Cooperatives Europe (Common Plateform of the Cooperatives within Europe) EFC (European Foundation Centre) CEGES (Conseil des Entreprises, Employeurs et Groupements d'Economie Sociale) CEPES (Spanish Business Confederation of Social Economy) FEDES (European Federation of Social Employers) REVES (European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy) ENSIE (European Network for Social Integration Entreprises.

www.socialeconomy.eu.org