Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy

The report titled "Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy" was created as part of the European Commission's 2021 Social Economy Action Plan. It was published by the European Union and provides a comprehensive analysis of the social economy within the EU. The research was led by teams from EURICSE, CIRIEC, and Spatial Foresight in 2024. This study aims to enhance understanding and recognition of the social economy's role in sustainable development, which is particularly relevant for stakeholders in the housing sector.

The report reveals that there are over 4.3 million social economy entities across the European Union, which employ at least 11.5 million people, constituting approximately 6.3% of total employment in the region. The social economy comprises various organizations, including cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations, and social enterprises. Among these, associations are the most prevalent, totaling around 3.8 million, while there are approximately 240,000 cooperatives.

The report estimates that there are about 246,000 social enterprises in the EU. Of these, approximately 43,000 are legally recognized, while the remaining 203,000 operate in a de facto capacity. This figure underscores the growing importance of social enterprises in contributing to economic sustainability and addressing social challenges, including those related to housing.

Employment statistics indicate that the highest number of jobs in the social economy is found within associations (6.2 million) and cooperatives (3.3 million). Notably, at least 3.3 million individuals are employed in the health and social care sectors, 702,000 in education, and 622,000 in arts, culture, and entertainment. This distribution highlights the diverse contributions of the social economy to various sectors, including social and community services, which are crucial for sustainable housing initiatives.

The study points out that data availability and comparability across EU Member States present significant challenges. Only a few countries have comprehensive national statistics on the social economy, which hinders a complete understanding of its impact and potential. Recognition and comprehension of the social economy concept vary widely among countries, with some Western European nations demonstrating stronger traditions and frameworks in this regard.

The report emphasizes the need for improved data collection and representation of the social economy at both national and EU levels. Collaborating closely with researchers across all 27 EU Member States, the study seeks to enhance the visibility of the social economy's contributions, particularly in sustainable development contexts.

In conclusion, this report offers the most extensive overview to date on the size and scope of the EU social economy, while identifying areas requiring further statistical development. The findings aim to inform stakeholders across various sectors, particularly those involved in sustainable housing, on the significant role that social economy entities play in fostering sustainable practices and social welfare within the EU.