The industrial and service cooperatives represented by CECOP belong to the wider social economy family. Cooperatives are collectively owned and democratically managed by their members, and the profits generated are reinvested in the cooperative. They are also deeply embedded in the local territory, providing support for the local economy and community.

Despite the mounting social challenges the EU faces, including Europe’s aging society, growing inequalities, labour and skills shortages, the proposal does not take them sufficiently into account. As Enrico Letta stated in his report, ‘Much more than a Market’, “Further development of the Single Market can only be successful if it includes a genuine social dimension that ensures social justice and cohesion.” Despite this observation, the post-2027 MFF proposal includes less budget for social objectives (approx. EUR 100 billion) than the previous MFF.

To ensure that social objectives are not left behind and that industrial and service cooperatives’ contributions are duly recognised, CECOP calls on the Commission to consider the below recommendations:

  1.  The Social Economy must be recognised in the specific objectives of the Fund 
  2.  Recognise workers buyouts as a way to ensure sustainable prosperity 
  3.  Cooperative organisations should be recognised as key partners
  4.  Social inclusion must be added to the horizontal principles
  5.  Increase the spending target for social objectives

Access the position paper here.