On 8 December 2024, ENSIE (European Network of Social Integration Enterprises) released its infosheet titled ‘WISEs and EU Cohesion Funds: Driving Social and Economic Inclusion’. The document highlights how Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) are effectively utilising EU Cohesion Funds, such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to foster employment, social inclusion, and sustainable local development.

WISEs play a crucial role in addressing unemployment and integrating vulnerable individuals into the labour market. The infosheet emphasises the importance of cohesion policy, a foundational EU initiative aimed at reducing regional disparities and fostering equitable growth, with roots tracing back to the Treaty of Rome in 1957.

ENSIE proposes key recommendations to maximise the impact of Cohesion Funds:  
•    Earmarking 10% of ESF+ and 5% of ERDF budgets for social economy initiatives.  
•    Strengthening the capacity of public authorities to understand WISEs' needs.  
•    Ensuring inclusive decision-making processes that involve WISEs in policy development.  

The infosheet also showcases the HELPDESK project, which provides tools and guidance to help social services navigate EU funding opportunities. With over €65 billion allocated to support the green and digital transitions, Cohesion Funds are a vital resource for fostering economic resilience and social inclusion across Europe.

Through examples of funded projects, ENSIE underscores the transformative potential of WISEs in achieving the EU’s cohesion goals. For more details, visit ENSIE's website, or the EU Funds for Social.

This initiative serves as a call to action, urging stronger collaboration between public authorities and WISEs to ensure cohesion funding reaches its full potential in building an inclusive and sustainable Europe.