The second European Forum of the SSE (EFSSE 2017) took place on November 9, 2017, organised in the premises of the Parliament by the GUE/ NGL Group,for the occasion driven by Marie-Christine Vergiat, French MEP. Following the first session, we can note an increase in the representation of networks of solidarity economy.

RIPESS Europe actively participated in the organization of the second edition, with several invited members, some of which met the day before for a dinner following a coordination Committee. Read more

SAVE THE DATE

European Parliament, Brussels, 9 November 2017 

The second Forum for the Social Solidarity Economy in Europe, co-organized by the Confederal Group of the European United Left / Nordic Green Left (GUE / NGL) and European networks of SSE (RIPESS EU, Cooperatives Europe, ENSIE, REVES, CECOP-CICOPA EUROPE, SOCIAL ECONOMY EUROPE) will take place from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, in the premises of the European Parliament. Read more

On January 28, 2016, the first European Forum of Social Solidarity Economy (EFSSE) took place in the Parliament in Brussels, promoted by parliamentarians of the European United Left and the Nordic Green Left (GUE / NGL), with the participation of more than 200 representatives and activists of networks and organizations of the SSE (including approximately thirty delegates members of the RIPESS Europe).

RIPESS Europe was invited to the opening session alongside parliamentarians and representatives of European networks (Social Economy Europe, Cooperatives Europe). During the round table that followed, Jean-Louis Laville recalled the history of the evolution of the social and solidarity economy, and in particular social, cultural and political paradigm changes that have transformed the approach to and even the notion of economy.  The RIPESS EU Advisory committee of the network also produced a concept note on “Social innovation in Europe: what relation with Solidarity Economy?” (pdf), which was distributed during the meeting.

Riccardo Petrella unambiguously urged parliamentarians to “overthrow the table”, that is to engage in a radical change of methods and conception of the management of public affairs. Judith Hichman and Yvon Poirier drew a picture of the international opportunities including in the overall vision of a post-2015 development agenda.

Read more

In May 2015, the European United Left / Nordic Confederation Group (GUE / NGL) decided to turn its traditional support to the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) into one of its main strategic processes for this legislature (2014-2019).Therefore, the European parliamentary group has set as one of its main goals for 2016 the organisation of the first European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy (EFSSE), aiming at promoting an exchange of experiences among the different initiatives of the SSE in Europe, highlighting the problems faced by the sector, as well as its potential in tackling the crisis effects. Specific actions of political impact will be proposed intended to foster the consolidation and expansion of the SSE within the EU.

This forum will be held only one day on January 28 in Brussels and will be limited to 220/250 people and guests, including MEPs.  Eight countries held preparatory meetings (Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Belgium, Germany), led by the MEPs concerned and organizations SSE relay they know.

For more information, see our dedicated page

After a panel of 17 European experts held on February 2015, and a first preparatory meeting convened the 3rd of September in the European Parliament with more than 30 participants belonging to the Social and Solidarity organisations from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Belgium and from the European networks – with RIPESS Europe represented by Eric Lavilluniere (and other members present) – have collectively drawn a general framework shaping the European Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (EFSSE) to be hold on January 28, 2016.

Approved last May as a “Strategic Group Initiative”, the EFSSE is aimed at giving a decisive boost to this alternative model of deciding, producing, reproducing and promoting relationships between people based on the principles of democracy, social justice and inclusion, equity, reciprocity and sustainability.

RIPESS Europe is consulting with its members for the strategy and content. The organizational effort is being led so far by 9 delegations and 11 MEPs: Podemos, Syriza, Front de Gauche, Die Linke, L’Altra Europa con Tsipras, Sinn Fein, Bloco de Esquerda, B. Spinelli and Luke Flanaghan, with the logistical support of the GUE’s staff.