Public policy in the social and solidarity economy: Towards a favourable environment. The case of Europe.

Europe suffered a great deal during the financial crisis that began in 2008, and the continent had to rethink its economic system, as well as the role that this system has in competition and the pursuit of profit. To continue with the previous model would mean settling for a model based on inadequate regulation of the financial markets, the abuse of non-renewable resources and unsustainable consumption patterns.

For this reason, the macro-region of Europe has rediscovered cooperative and solidarity models that represent valuable alternatives to the pre-existing paradigms. The need to pursue more sustainable and inclusive targets for economic growth has led many governments to tackle the debate on the social and solidarity economy.

Various ways of organizing the SSE can be found across the EU Member States. Europe is increasingly recognising the contribution made by these organizations to the system, although their importance is still underestimated. This work aims to highlight the most important characteristics of social enterprises in various European countries and the role of a favourable legislative framework as an element for consolidating actors in the SSE.

Beyond the processes of recognition and institutionalization that have taken place in recent years, this article will also argue that a larger number of more far-reaching measures have to be implemented.

ILO