In a global context marked by economic and social challenges, the support of the government of Spain to the Social economy is known as one major initiative to strengthen and enhance the visibility of the entities and organizations that form part of it, promote equitable development in the various territories and to strengthen social cohesion.

Aware of its importance and to show its commitment,Ministry of labour and Social Economyl updates the strategy for Social Economy, this time with a view to the year 2027 . The new strategy is a road map to guide public policies in the sector during the coming years and whose design was undertaken in collaboration with the ministry of youth and children, the ministry of Universities, the ministry of education and training, the council to foster the Social economy and the Entities representing the various family that make up the ecosystem of the Social economy, among others. Strategy for Social Economy 2023 - 2027 it aims at increasing institutional visibility and participation of different families that constitute the Social economy, develop their competitiveness, entrepreneurship and the collective support to the emerging sectors as well as the territorial and social sustainability.

Some key factors identified in the strategy, which are vital to achieve this, and recalling that it is right, are:

1 ) To Improve the establishment and maintenance of quality employment and, in particular, the focus on vulnerable groups.
2 ) To promote the collective undertaking with the purpose of promoting the creation of new Social economy enterprises and support to those existing for them to grow and consolidated.
3 ) Combat depopulation, implementing measures conducive to economic development in rural areas and disadvantaged, to contribute to territorial cohesion.
4 ) Rational use of natural resources to promote sustainable practices which respect the environment and promote the efficient use of resources.
5 ) Alignment with the Agenda 2030 and the european action Plan of the Social economy.

The strictly policy, since the ministry of labour and Social Economy we are currentlyDraft Comprehensive Law to promote the Social economy, which, once adopted by the Cortes Generales, would be a significant step forward to accommodate, through a single instrument, the three substantive laws so far have regulated the legal framework in the sector to adapt to new economic and social circumstances:

 deutsche post Act 27 / 1999 , 16 july, of cooperatives.
 deutsche post Act 44 / 2007 , 13 december, for the regulation of the regime for integration enterprises.
 deutsche post Act 5 / 2011 , 29 march on the Social economy.

We must remember that the latter marked a milestone in the policy to become the first specific law on Social economy in the european Union. And as a result, paved the way for Spain posicionara european benchmark in the promotion of this economic model.

Since the previous parliamentary term, it was working on a comprehensive reform that impactara to all entities of the Social economy and, accordingly, to modify the regulatory framework governing this area and their economic actors.

However, it was not until the 8 october 2024 when the government gave the green light to the draft integral law, a document prepared with a broad consensus in the ecosystem of the Social economy.

The most important new features introduced the draft act is structured around the following topics discussed by Laws.

Firstly, amendment act 27 / 1999 , 16 july, of cooperatives, with the aim of harmonizing existing legislation and to achieve the following purposes:

- Adapt the internal operation of cooperatives to new forms of communication and participation based on the implementation of new technologies, which accelerated as a result of the pandemic of Covid- 19 . In this regard, the law on cooperatives has to be adaptable to this innovation, to streamline processes and decision-making, making it compatible with the security and full implementation of the principle of democratic participation in their persons partners.

- Reflect the reality of cooperatives in the area of effective equality, enabling tools adapted to its uniqueness. The cooperative principle of equality has driven the progress of cooperatives towards real equality between women and men. It is time to accompany this effort with a translation in the internal structure of cooperatives to what is envisaged the establishment of the commission on Equality, as a new body, and social development of the equality plans Cooperative. Similarly, a transitional solution to the registration of these plans.

- Remove barriers to developing a consistent with the cooperative principles and values. These principles and values are based on self-reliance, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, so that the legislative changes which have come here seek to foster a functionality of the Area cooperative and expediting the exercise of cooperative activity.

- To foster the promotion of the cooperative movement on the basis of the current spanish cooperatives, attempt to legislate, to promote the use of such enterprises, which are a clear niche for innovation in our system by creating business with those modifications, the cooperative movement of the operationalization and resonance it deserves.

Secondly, amendment act 44 / 2007 , 13 december, for the regulation of the regime of enterprises To further improve these periods of transition to the regular labour market act proposed, with a full consensus in the sector:

- Strengthen the definition of collective or people exposed to situations of vulnerability and/or social exclusion, avoiding their being stigmatized. Aware of the consequences of the successive crises experienced in recent years on increasing inequality gap, it has been undergoing a profound reflection on situations or socio-economic factors that may lead to situations of vulnerability and/or at risk of social exclusion, to which enterprises operate as a mechanism of support and accompaniment towards inclusion. Accordingly, the project proposes an extension of the Subjective scope of the rule whereby the focus on these factors of vulnerability and/or social exclusion.

- Providing a definition of business linkages more insightful and consistent with its goals and commitments with equality. Enterprises operating in competition with the rest of the business formulas, with the uniqueness of the fight to turn against inequality. Therefore, there have been necessary adjustments in its internal functioning, with a view to ensuring their competitiveness, based on a labour model whose paradigm indefinite hiring.

- To Align the recruitment of persons in transit to regular employment to the role of integration. It is necessary to update a framework of minimum content, common to all the state, of the insertion, cause and subject to the recruitment of persons subject to factors of vulnerability or social exclusion and they depend on improving their employability. In this line, are included in adjustments to the ratio of women who work to ensure that proper compliance with the purpose of this integration.

Thirdly, amendment act 5 / 2011 , 29 march on the Social economy.

A Law which turned to our country in a pioneer in this area, and the new rule is to strengthen our commitment and leadership in regulation in the field of Social economy. It introduces the following points:

- Typologies and Clarify the catalogue of constituent entities of the sector, to incorporate new formulas association here today in the field of the Social economy and recognized at european level.

- Resignify Their public policies for promoting the Social economy. This update of the standard reformulated the objectives that must internalize public policies on promotion of the sector.

In short, developments presented here, if adopted, will mean an important step to adapt the legal framework regulating the Social economy into new economic and social circumstances and to ensure their consistency and relevance.

On the other hand, deserves special recognitionthe strategic procurement socially responsible, and guidance in the service of ecology and innovation. Direct purchases of the different public administrations to promote socially desirable practices allows for a sustainable and inclusive growth. It ensures a more efficient use of public funds and has a multiplier effect for the development of a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.

The government of spain has launched a number of policies and strategies to encourage the participation of the Social economy in the socially responsible procurement, with the aim of encouraging the participation of these entities in our economy and, at the same time, promote a social impact through public procurement.

In particular,Law 9 / 2017 , 8 november, public Sector contractsstates that the public administrations can and must include social, environmental and ethical issues in their recruitment processes. This includes the possibility of reserving contracts for the Social economy organizations, enabling their participation in public tenders, and in more precise terms:

•  The additional provision 4 for a special employment Initiative and of Social inclusion companies (including cooperatives in social initiative designed to integrate work training for people suffering from any kind of social exclusion).
• The additional provision 48 for contracts for services of social, cultural and health to entities that meet different principles of economic democracy.

Through the incentive for social clauses in public contracts, provided that the entities of the Social economy are best placed to be contracting of public contracts, ensuring the employability of people at risk of exclusion, improving working conditions and respect for gender equality and the environment.

Similarly, training and awareness-raising on staff in the public sector on the importance of the responsible staff and the link between the responsible staff and the implementation of sustainable development goals (ODS), especially those relating to decent work, reducing inequalities and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable.

It is worth noting other instruments in this field, such as Inter-Ministerial Commission for the development and improvement of the inclusion of social clauses in procurement, which ensures the promotion of the improvement of stable employment and quality, information, accessibility, technical requirements, the award or the execution of contracts. This Commission, led by the ministry of social rights, has the decisive support of the ministry of labour and Social economy.

In this spirit, the community level, the report of the economic and Social committee published in october 2024 underlines the potential of procurement for the Social economy, and makes a number of requests, comments and specific proposals.

Inter alia, the commission is urged to speed up the Plan of action for the Social economy and to collect publications and good practices of the various member states. Moreover, calls on the member states to implement the measures and actions of the recommendation of the council, 27 november 2023 on the development of framework conditions for the Social economy.

It should also highlight the financial instruments in the area of competence of the directorate-General of the Social economy and of corporate Social responsibility, such as annual programme of support for activities to promote the Social Economy and corporate Social responsibility and to cover operating costs of the entities of the Social economy. Its new database order was issued in august, and includes a budget of almost eur 8 million.

Another action that we are going on since the directorate-General is the Comprehensive Plan for the promotion of Social Economyfor the generation of an economic fabric, inclusive and sustainable development within the framework of strategic projects for the recovery, transformation and Resilience (LOSS). With the aim of encouraging major initiatives that contribute to the transformation of our economic fabric, in spain.

The first invitation spend around eur 10 million and in the second, which is currently being implemented this year, the budgeted amount of about eur 80 million, of which there is a resolution on the 60 millions of euros.

In addition, in order to implement all of the credit available in the framework of the comprehensive Plan for the promotion of Social Economy, we have put in place a third call for subsidies, with a maximum budget of around 39 millions of euros.

In connection with the LOSS, we are promoting Avant-garde Hubthe Social economy, an ambitious project, which will allow us to continue placing the spanish Social Economy as a reference to the global level. Will Consist of a centre for studies to assess public policies and consider its role in reducing inequalities and the creation of a labour market more inclusive. It will establish knowledge networks that connect enterprises, institutions, social organizations and the academy with the aim of disseminating best practices; and, finally, will host a laboratory of innovative projects which will help to extend this alternative, to promote the collective undertaking without neglecting competitiveness in the sector.

It should be noted that we are at a very favourable in terms of the funding available for the entities of the ecosystem of the Social economy.

So, 100 millions of the comprehensive Plan for the promotion of Social Economy plus possibilities such as the EPHESUS, financed with resources of the european Social fund + for acts of states for education and training, employment and Social economy, a programme in which the SEPE is the intermediary and has a total of 1 . 301 . 598 . 089 euros. This should be added the funds for the autonomous communities, Ceuta and Melilla.

Furthermore, the foundation for on-the-job training (FUNDAE), with initiatives such as the online learning platform to partners and workers who provide services in companies and entities of the Social economy, with one million euros in the framework of the funds Next Generation of the european union, without prejudice to other, such as the convening, recently approved the SEPE for the implementation of training programmes adopted by the state, aimed primarily at employed persons, with cross-cutting training programmes aimed at employed workers and members of the Social economy endowed with a budget of over 6 million euros for the year 2025 .

In short, the time, when it comes to funding possibilities of the ecosystem of the Social economy, it is great, we must seize the opportunity.

Moreover, collaboration spaces, as the revival of Council of the Social economy, which has resumed its operations after a decade of inactivity and works as an advisory body to advise the government, bringing together representatives of the autonomous communities of different ministries, as well as persons of recognized standing, unions and represent the sector.

In addition, since one of the functions assigned to the ministry of labour and Social Economy is to strengthen the visibility of the sector, on a yearly basis and on a rotational basis, a spanish city is designated Capital of the Social economy. The official status of the Social economy not only promotes entrepreneurship and employment generation, but also promotes territorial cohesion and social integration, publicizing relevant experience and promote the debate on an economy with another order of priorities. San Sebastián was the Capital of the Social economy over the past year, having signed a manifesto for more than twenty countries members of the european Union, thus achieving that resounded milestone not Only in our country but also at community level. 2025 , that we in the council for promoting the Social Economy of this year, which has fallen on Murcia .

We also managed to digitise theState register of Cooperatives, in which we have worked very hard. An action that will result in a good crossed of data between administrations, to facilitate the development of these entities. The state register of Cooperatives plays a key role in monitoring and control of cooperatives in Spain, ensuring that comply with the principles of the Social economy and not detract from its operation.

Similarly, under the The curriculum of the ministry of labour and Social Economythe directorate General of the Social economy and corporate Social responsibility funds studies in order to deepen awareness for improved decision-making.

In connection with thestatistical informationpromote development of reliable up-to-date data for a differential analysis of the ecosystem. This action, was conducted in the hands of other important players, such as the national institute of statistics, with which we are working for the publication of a satellite account of the Social economy, which will be a significant advance in the field and the International centre for research and information on the Public, Social and cooperative economics (CIRIEC).

In connection with the foregoing, the ministry of labour and Social Economy publishes a journal and a number to the year is entirely devoted to the Social economy, with the specific purpose of promoting their development and to ensure wider dissemination. This magazine includes contributions from all disciplines, and the different areas concerned.

Finally, it is worth noting the active role of our country and our ministry in promoting the Social economy in the international levelin the recent historic milestones achieved.

Examples include the adoption, in april 2023 of the General assembly resolution of the united nations in Social and cooperative economy, and the adoption in november 2023 recommendation of the council of the european Union on the development of framework conditions for the Social economy. The Latter reaffirms the role of the Social economy offering, among other certainties, the first definition of a Social economy at european level.

Moreover, the Recommendation of the organization for economic cooperation and development on the Social and cooperative economy and Social innovation recommends to governments an institutional environment through the involvement of stakeholders, to facilitate the coordination, coherence and effectiveness, and help integrate the Social economy in public policy and at all levels of government.

At the community level, the statement of Luxembourg has already established that the european union must reach a common understanding on the scope of the Social economy and advocating for the holding of meetings and agreements. And to ensure that it was established, a proposal by spain, the Monitoring committee for the Statement of luxembourg.

Spain is perceived in europe as a reference in the field of the Social economy, and our commitment in this regard has been reaffirmed in the aftermath of the role entrusted to him during the spanish presidency of the council of the european union, with a powerful message for a stronger Social Economy, inclusive and feminist.

And in this same line, the road map of Liège for the Social economy in the european union, adopted in february 2024 with the participation of Spain, is presented as the commitment 19 Member States to continue to strengthen the entities of the Social economy and gives continuity to the manifesto. San Sebastián “ Social economy: people, planet, action ”.

This is further compounded by the recent renewal by the European Parliament of the intergroup of Social economy. This renewal is key to ensure dialogue and create enabling environments to the development of the Social economy in this parliamentary term.

For its part, the group of experts of the Social economy and Social Enterprises (GECES), which is part of Spain through the ministry of labour and Social Economy, advises the commission in the initiatives relating to this form of company.

In addition, theIbero-American Network of promotion of Social and cooperative economy(RIFESS) actively promoted by spain, is established as the forum for sharing good practices in latin america and the caribbean. The founding countries (Spain, mexico, Colombia and brazil), as well as the member countries (Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Paraguay) we are working to expand the network in the region

All these fields of action, joined the commitments that we face the coming years, among which there is, on the one hand, the implementation of regulatory developmentsonce today Draft Integral Law for the promotion of Social Economy.

In this regard, it is essential to emphasize the Catalogue of Social economy organizations State, an initiative which takes into account the different types of constituent entities of the Social economy, as recognized by article 5 the law 5 / 2011 , 29 march on the Social economy, as well as other that could be incorporated, bearing in mind the principles set out in article 4 the legislation.

The Catalogue of entities of State Social Economy would be public, and will have a declarative, it will be a key instrument that will enable us not only to know in detail the entities that are part of the ecosystem of the Social economy, but also a reference to measure statistically the impact of this approach to development.

And, on the other hand, it is essential to resumediscussion of the special taxationwe must assist the various entities that make up the Social economy, as is the case of housing cooperatives in assignment and labour societies, be aware that the current regulation is insufficient to continue to spurring the creation of this type of formulas and thus must be addressed.

In conclusion, through the set of initiatives and activities that are being developed, as well as with the road map for the future, both domestically and internationally, the ministry of labour and Social Economy reaffirms its strong commitment to the Social economy, by positioning it as a key model in the protection of labour rights.