The European Commission is currently undertaking an evaluation of the EU Public Procurement Directive which is a key policy topic for social economy (SE) and services of general interest (SGI). In light of this review, and to ensure the voices of the SE and SGI are clearly heard in the process, the Intergroup hosted a high-level event at the European Parliament on 13 May 2025. This gathering brought together EU policymakers, SE representatives, and providers of SGI to explore how strategic public procurement can foster social inclusion, territorial cohesion, and quality employment across Europe.

Notably, the event saw participation of highest EU institutions and national governments such as Roxana Minzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Social Rights, Skills, Employment, and Preparedness, Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s Second Vice-President, Véronique Louwagie, Minister Delegate for Trade, Crafts, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Social and Solidarity Economy of France, Katarzyna Nowakowska – Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy for Poland, Valentina Schaumburger, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Mr. Stéphane Séjourné, MEP Maravillas Abadia – cochair of the Intergroup (EPP – Spain) MEP Irene Tignali – co-chair of the Intergroup (S&D, Italy), MEP Ignazio Marino – co-chair of the Intergroup, MEP Camilla Laureti – vice-chair of the Intergroup (S&D – Italy), MEP Pablo Arias – member of IMCO committee (EPP, Spain), underscoring broad support for aligning public procurement with social objectives.