Not-for-profit social & healthcare service providers

Social Services Europe (SSE) welcomes the Social Economy Action Plan. On 15 December 2021, SSE issued a Statement containing our first assessment. SSE wishes to see its implementation for the benefit of the Social Economy Sector as a whole across Europe and their ultimate beneficiaries, i.e., all European citizens. For this to happen, EU Member States must commit to the Action Plan and engage with all relevant stakeholders at national level to ensure that there is a true “co-creation process” in realising the ambition of the Action Plan. SSE members and their respective national networks are ready to offer assistance in this regard.

​

With the Statement addressed to the Ministers responsible for the Social Economy, Social Services Europe would like to encourage them and theirr governments - prior to the meeting on 17 February 2022 in Paris - to actively support, implement and partner with key stakeholders in the implementation of the initiatives of the Social Economy Action Plan and to express this commitment as an outcome of their meeting.

​

As Ministers responsible for the Social Economy discuss the Social Economy Action Plan, Social Services Europe would like to highlight six areas that we think are particularly relevant for Member States, as part of their respective competences, and for us as partners in the implementation process, hoping that these will be part of their discussions and commitments.

​

Social Services Europe is a network of eight European umbrella organisations – comprising Caritas Europa, CEDAG, E.A.N., EASPD, EPR, Eurodiaconia, FEANTSA and the Red Cross EU Office – representing over 200,000 not-for-profit social and health care organisations. We are active in a sector employing over 11 million people, of which about half are employed by social economy organisations. Our national members support millions of people in various stages in life, such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, people at risk of or experiencing poverty and social exclusion, people experiencing homelessness, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, LGBTIQ+, and other groups in situations of vulnerability. They offer care, support, guidance, education, and training services, also with the aim to empower the people relying on their support. This is often done through integrated approaches in partnership with public authorities and other service providers. Social services are a core part of national social protection systems and are services of general interest.

​

• For access to the full SSE Statement please click here.​

​​