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The Spanish Presidency of the EU has underlined the role of the social economy, pointing to Spain's own experience, which is well advanced with respect to that of neighbouring countries
may 06, 2010
Today, Maravillas Rojo, the Secretary–General for Employment, gave a speech in Toledo, at the opening of the conference titled "The social economy: a different way of doing business", stressing the importance of the social economy as another form of commercial activity, one that makes a crucial contribution by placing employment at the centre of its concern.
Ms. Rojo observed, "the principles of the social economy represent values and attitudes that in themselves benefit both those directly involved and society as a whole". Accordingly, she said, "it is only fair to recognize the worth of a broad spectrum of organizations and companies that are striving to create and maintain high–quality, stable jobs, and which in some situations also act as agents for social insertion".
In her speech, the Secretary–General stressed that this Conference provides the opportunity to put the social economy at the centre of attention, constituting a focal point for intervention by the EU and its Member States. "It is an important issue", she said, "and one that is in line with the new strategy for employment and forms part of the scenario for economic recovery".
The EU–2020 Strategy lays the foundations for economic growth via three fundamental principles: intelligence, sustainability and inclusiveness.
Ms. Rojo explained that "the Spanish Presidency of the EU wishes to emphasize the importance of the social economy, on the basis of its own experience, which is well advanced with respect to that of our neighbours. The Spanish Government recently presented the draft project for the Social Economy Bill, with the approval of the economic sector; in the near future, this will be conveyed to the Council of Ministers, as a personal commitment of the President of the Spanish Government".
