Yolanda Díaz highlights key role of social economy for recovery and announces that Toledo act as its capital during Spanish Presidency

The meeting served to strengthen the commitment of the attendees to the social economy which, as Yolanda Díaz underlined, "will facilitate a way out of the crisis while retaining values, and hence the social economy is called on to play a key role in the recovery" following the COVID-19 health crisis.

During the video-conference, the minister announced at the decision to designate the host city of the European social economy capital, which will be Toledo - "the city of three cultures, an example of tolerance and dialogue which are more essential now than ever before".

Healthy quorum

Spain takes over the rotating presidency from France of this monitoring committee, which has received a healthy response. At the last meeting, delegations took part from five European countries, while on this occasion representatives attended from 16 Member States of the European Union.

This shows the interest in the social economy and its commitment to quality jobs, as well as the desire to seek goals that define us for our social and economic progress within the framework of the European Union. In the case of Spain, "the social economy is highly valued at this ministerial department", stressed Yolanda Díaz, "in the way we understand decent work, with the associated rights".

Other entities represented

As well as the representatives of the governments of 14 countries, of the European Commission and the European Parliament, organisations have taken part that head up the sector including the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy (Spanish acronym: (CEPES) and Social Economy Europe. The virtual meeting was also attended by representatives of international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Toledo, social economy capital

The Spanish Presidency of the Monitoring Committee on Luxembourg Declaration has designated the city of Toledo as the European social economy capital due to its symbolic value as a meeting point and example of understanding between civilisations.

Goals of Spanish Presidency

Under Spain's leadership, the pillar of the social economy in economic development committed to innovation, sustainable development and to enhancing visibility will be advocated and publicised as a future model for different countries, particularly for young people.

Another of the pillars will be to entrench social economy companies in the places they set up in, which makes them less likely to relocate.

The minister also announced a project to develop satellite accounts of the social economy in Spain. This project has been included in the 2020 programme of the national statistics plan of the National Statistics Institute.

In short, this ministerial department seeks to enhance visibility and boost the social economy model as a future model which spreads its values to other business models, fostering a culture of social and environmental responsibility and of good governance.

Non official translation