Key findings

Key findings

Awareness of the social economy

Citizens' involvement in social economy

Receiving support from social economy organisations

Impact of the social economy on well-being

Development level of the social economy

This Special Eurobarometer survey shows that the importance of the social economy is widely acknowledged, with 75% of Europeans recognising its importance for the well-being of society in their country. Consequently, a significant majority endorse policies aimed at developing the social economy, including the creation of dedicated strategies and legislation to support social economy organisations (88%), awareness-raising initiatives (86%), assistance to help people set up social economy organisations (86%), and direct financial support from the public sector (80%). In addition, a significant 93% of Europeans think that businesses should be guided by social economy values, such as focusing on social and environmental goals, redistributing profits, and operating with democratic governance structures.