Resource context and scope
“Social economy in the life of Europeans” is the European Commission’s report on findings from Special Eurobarometer 567. The document presents results from representative face-to-face interviews with EU residents aged 15+ across all 27 Member States (26,410 respondents), using the Standard Eurobarometer methodology. It examines how people understand the social economy, how they engage with social economy organisations, and how they perceive the sector’s societal relevance and policy support. The report does not name individual authors and is presented as a European Commission publication based on Eurobarometer survey fieldwork.
What the report means by “social economy”
The report defines the social economy as organisations that put people, communities, and the environment before profits. It includes associations, cooperatives, mutual societies, foundations, and social enterprises, typically characterised by participatory governance and reinvesting surpluses for collective benefit. At EU level, the social economy is described as comprising at least 4.3 million entities and employing over 11.5 million people across economic sectors—an ecosystem positioned to contribute solutions to challenges such as climate change, demographic change, and digital transformation.
Awareness and familiarity across the EU
Awareness is described as “moderate”: 56% of EU citizens have heard of the term “social economy”. Awareness varies sharply by country (for example, 82% in Malta and 79% in the Netherlands versus 34% in Greece and 37% in Romania). Familiarity is more limited: 12% say they are “definitely” familiar and 34% “somewhat” familiar. Recognition of organisation types is higher than familiarity with the term itself: associations (73%) and foundations (69%) are the most recognised, followed by cooperatives (56%), mutual societies (50%), and social enterprises (47%).
Participation and support received from social economy actors
Engagement is widespread: 51% of EU citizens report involvement in at least one role over the past five years. The most common roles are volunteering (18%) and being a financial donor (18%), followed by client/customer (15%) and member (13%). Among those involved, reported frequency varies: 43% of participants say they engage at least twice a month. The report also highlights that 33% of EU citizens say they have received some support from social economy organisations. Common forms include access to training, education, or employment opportunities (10%), goods such as food or clothing (9%), and personal help or services (8%); 6% report housing or shelter support.
Values relevant to sustainable housing and local resilience
For audiences interested in sustainable housing, the findings show strong consumer support for ethical and place-based standards alongside affordability: 94% consider quality important when purchasing goods and services, and 91% say the same for price. Local production is considered important by 85% of respondents, social standards (e.g., job quality and safety) by 81%, and environmental standards (e.g., energy use and footprint) by 79%. These preferences align with approaches often associated with cooperative and community-led housing initiatives, where local benefit, social outcomes, and environmental performance are integrated into service provision.
Perceived impact areas and policy expectations
EU citizens associate the social economy with broad societal value: 75% consider it important for society, 72% for their local community, 61% for personal well-being, and 71% for the environment. When asked where social economy organisations make the biggest difference, health and social care is cited most often (58%), followed by education and training (44%). Housing and construction is cited by 35% (the same share as agriculture and food). Public support for enabling policies is high: 88% agree that public authorities should develop strategies and legislation to support social economy organisations, 86% support education/awareness initiatives, and 80% agree with direct public funding.