05 de May de 2026
Dinamización rural
Resiliencia y competitividad
The Rural Pact is participating for the first time directly in the review of a European policy on social economy
The Rural Pact is participating for the first time directly in the review of a European policy on social economy
The social economy is consolidating its role as a key tool for territorial development and cohesion in rural areas
The social economy encompasses entities such as cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations, and social enterprises, characterized by prioritizing people, the local area, and the common good over economic profit. In the European Union, there are more than 4.3 million social economy organizations, generating at least 11.5 million jobs and playing a fundamental role in social cohesion, inclusive employment, and sustainable development.
In agricultural and rural areas, the social economy is especially relevant as it contributes to the creation of local employment, the maintenance of essential services, population retention and the strengthening of the socio-economic fabric, aligning with the objectives of balanced territorial development and sustainability promoted by the European Union.
Midterm review
The European Commission (EC) has published the mid-term review of the Social Economy Action Plan , adopted in December 2021 and with a 2030 horizon. This evaluation and update exercise has included a significant milestone for rural areas: the direct participation of the Community Group of the Rural Pact on social economy.
More than 30 members of this group participated in an online consultation, sharing their contributions and local experiences. This marks the first time a Community Group of the Rural Pact has been directly involved in the review of a European Union policy, reinforcing its role as a forum for dialogue between institutions, networks, and rural territories.
This fact justifies the relevance of the mid-term review of the Social Economy Action Plan for the CAP Network, by highlighting the contribution of rural areas in the design of European policies with territorial impact.
Review conclusions
Among the main conclusions of the review, the EC announces that it will strengthen its collaboration with public authorities, stakeholder communities and networks, with the aim of promoting the exchange of good practices, the development of joint projects and the implementation of effective measures for the social economy in all territories, complementing national efforts.
In this context, the Commission notes that it will pay special attention to rural areas , consistent with:
the Rural Action Plan of the European Union,
the Rural Pact ,
The strategy for the generational shift in agriculture.
This approach recognizes the potential of the social economy as a cross-cutting instrument to address structural challenges in rural areas, from generational renewal to strengthening services and social innovation at the local level.
Balance to date
The mid-term review concludes that the Action Plan has given new impetus to the social economy in Europe, providing a common frame of reference and raising its visibility on political agendas.
Among the main results achieved, the following stand out:
21 Member States with social economy strategies adopted or in preparation
More than 1.62 billion euros mobilized in grants and financial instruments
Up to €11.7 billion is earmarked to support social enterprises and microfinance through InvestEU , the EC's digital platform that acts as a meeting point between EU-based project promoters and potential investors worldwide.
The Commission stresses, however, that there is still room for improvement, especially at the regional and local levels, where strengthening implementation on the ground is key.
Forecasts until 2030
Looking ahead to the second half of the implementation period, the EC envisions a future based on a more competitive, resilient and visible social economy, supported by appropriate regulatory and financial frameworks.
The renewed agenda of the Action Plan is structured around five areas of action:
Strengthening multi-level governance and local implementation.
Improvement of regulatory and public procurement frameworks .
Strengthening the social investment ecosystem
Skills development, training and social entrepreneurship.
Consolidation of the database and evidence on social economy.
These lines of action offer a framework of opportunities for rural areas, where the social economy can make a decisive contribution to territorial development, social cohesion and long-term sustainability.