The event titled "Forging alliances for the twin transition: proximity and social economy in the EU's new agenda" was held on 6 October 2025. With a focus on the critical role of alliances in driving sustainable and inclusive growth, this event framed the role of proximity and social economy within the new agenda of the European Commission. Key topics addressed were the future of social innovation, the potential for new alliances, enhancing competitiveness, and address pressing societal challenges. The agenda featured a diverse lineup of sessions that emphasised the importance of cross-ecosystem partnerships. By highlighting the synergies between the proximity and social economy and other sectors, the event inspired collaborative efforts that can shape the EU's new agenda for a sustainable future. Below is an outline of the event.

Keynote speech by Gianluca Salvatori, EURICSE

After welcoming remarks from EY Belgium, the event began with a keynote speech from Gianluca Salvatori, Secretary-General at the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (EURICSE). In his keynote speech, Gianluca offered a compelling critique of market-first economic models, arguing that public authorities, not markets, have consistently led responses to crises. He positioned the proximity and social economy as a vital alternative, rooted in democratic values and solidarity. Gianluca explained that proximity and social economy is not a peripheral concept but an essential economic force that delivers care, energy, housing and food security. “The economy can be productive and purposeful,” he noted, calling for a framework of convergence that brings together skills, strategies, finance and research under a shared vision.

Gianluca stressed the importance of linking social innovation with social economy, warning that innovation without structure risks fragmentation, while social economy risks stagnation without fresh ideas. He described proximity and social economy as a political proposition that challenges us to consider what kind of economy we want, who benefits from value creation, and how risks and responsibilities are shared. In times of democratic stress, proximity and social economy can foster trust and social cohesion.

Gianluca concluded with a call for renewed effort to connect research, practice and policy, and to build a strategic narrative that not only seeks support but offers solutions. He reminded the audience that Europe already has the actors and experience; what is needed now is political will and cultural clarity.

Panel session how social economy paves the way to social innovation

The panel discussion brought together two speakers: Sophia Vlieger de Oliveira, representing the New European Bauhaus (NEB) and Sofia Lai Amândio, from the ESF+ Community of Practice on Social Innovation. The panel session was moderated by Sarah de Heusch, Director of Social Economy Europe and long-standing advocate for the social economy.

Sophia outlined the core values of the NEB and its values of sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetic. Further, she highlighted its participatory approach to revitalising neighbourhoods and built environments. The Bauhaus Facility is a funding instrument designed to support local projects and capacity building, such as The Living Factory in Poland and SEA4NEB. These initiatives demonstrate how spatial transformation can be paired with social processes to create new community spaces. Sophia stressed the importance of understanding local needs and challenges to foster the social economy.

Sofia presented the work of the ESF+ Community of Practice on Social Innovation, which aims to strengthen Member States’ ability to design and deliver impactful programmes. She emphasised that social innovation is deeply rooted in addressing societal challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and digital exclusion. The community supports national competence centres with tools, methods, and seed funding to help scale successful ideas and measure impact. Sofia referred to the Social Innovation Forum in Brussels and the co-creation of the 2026 agenda, advocating for social innovation to be recognised as a strategic priority in the next Multiannual Financial Framework for the EU.

Wrapping up, Sarah de Heusch, Director Social Economy Europe (SEE), called for stronger horizontal integration of the social economy in policymaking, backed by evidence of its added value in job creation and social cohesion. The panel concluded with reflections on the need for policy shaping, strategic advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that social innovation and NEB values are embedded in future EU frameworks.

Fireside chat: building cross-ecosystem alliances for competitiveness

In the final session of the event, Luca Pastorelli, Executive President at DIESIS Network hosted three speakers during the fireside chat: Andreia Barbosa, Circular Economy Officer at Humana People to People, Alberto Rudellat, European Project manager at the Ecological Transition and European Funds Department of the City of Torino, and Stefan Chichevaliev, DIESIS Senior Expert. This session explored how social economy organisations, cities, and research alliances are driving sustainable and inclusive transitions.

Andreia shared insights into Humana’s evolution from charitable roots to a professionalised social economy organisation managing textile collection and reuse. She explained how Humana operates industrial sorting centres and second-hand shops across Europe, reinvesting profits into social projects in the Global South. Andreia addressed the environmental footprint of textiles and the implications of the EU Waste Framework Directive, which introduces separate collection and extended producer responsibility. She emphasised the need for innovation and fair competition among social economy actors to strengthen textile waste management while preserving diversity and social impact.

Alberto presented Turin’s urban innovation strategies, showcasing its recognition as European Capital of Innovation and Smart Tourism. He described a large stakeholder network collaborating through platforms like Torino City Lab and Torino Social Impact, which foster public-private partnerships, social innovation, and impact investment. Examples included neighbourhood houses that serve as hubs for community engagement and climate action.

Stefan concluded by highlighting the role of research in enabling green and digital transitions, introducing RAISE, the Research Alliance for Innovation in Sustainable Economy. This initiative connects universities, policymakers, and social economy actors to promote evidence-based solutions, systemic thinking, and cross-sectoral alliances for a more inclusive and resilient European economy.