Social economy

09 Jan 2026

Local ownership through energy communities can help deliver affordable, secure renewables for Europe: new briefing

A new briefing highlights how energy communities – locally owned and democratically governed renewable energy initiatives – can play a vital role in ensuring affordable, secure, and community-driven energy across Europe.

08 Dec 2025

Building inclusive rural futures: community action and social economy in focus

A recent policy workshop, co-organised by the EU research projects ESIRA and SERIGO, suggests that rural policy should shift from fragmented interventions to a holistic, place-based and inclusive approach that builds on local networks, social economy and community-driven innovation.

21 Oct 2025

Strengthening social economy and rural development: key messages for forthcoming Action Plan updates

For the first time, a Rural Pact Community Group has been directly involved in shaping EU policy. Over 30 members of the social economy group joined the European Commission in an online consultation to share insights for the mid-term review of the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) and the update of the EU Rural Action Plan (RAP).