The cooperative movement at the service of social medicine
The Social Economy enjoys massive and unequivocal support from European citizens, as shown by the results of the latest Special Eurobarometer act as a clear strategic mandate directed at public and business leaders: it is time to place social values at the heart of economic activity.
The fundamental data point emerging from the study is compelling: 75% of Europeans recognize the importance of the social economy for the well-being of society in their country. This level of recognition, along with 61% who consider it relevant to their personal well-being, underscores that citizens value the direct impact these organizations generate in their communities.
Beyond the specific sector, the general sentiment is directed at the entire business fabric. An impressive 93% of Europeans believe that businesses should be guided by social economy values. What does this imply? It means the majority demands a model where the focus is on social and environmental goals, the redistribution of profits, and operation under democratic governance structures. For any forward-thinking executive (CEO), this data is not merely a statistic; it is the strategic direction the market must adopt to maintain social legitimacy.
The study reinforces where this impact materializes, pointing to two critical areas for social well-being: health and social care are cited as the sector where the social economy makes the biggest difference, followed by education and training. These are, by definition, essential service areas, which validates the crucial mission of social economy organizations in community cohesion.
Popular support is not limited to recognizing values but translates into a clear demand for political and financial backing. European leaders (CEOs and managers) must take note of these citizen investment priorities:
These percentages demonstrate that citizens not only want the social economy to exist but actively demand that investment be made in its development. For any foundation or cooperative, this means that fundraising and advocacy strategies must be built upon this strong social legitimacy.
Half of Europeans (51%) have interacted with the social economy in the last five years, testifying to its daily presence. The most common forms of participation reflect the sector's solidarity and community nature: volunteering (18%) and donations (18%), along with the customer/client relationship (15%).
Furthermore, the impact is felt in the provision of basic services: one in three Europeans (33%) has received support from a social economy organization. The most common aid is access to training, education, or employment opportunities (10%), positioning them as key players in improving employability and inclusion.
In conclusion, this Eurobarometer provides a clear strategic compass. The vast majority of Europeans have issued a judgment: the social economy is not an alternative, but a priority for the future of social well-being. Cooperatives, foundations, and associations are the pillars upon which a fairer and more sustainable economy must be built, and citizens demand that their leaders, both public and private, invest decisively in this model.
To speak of Spain's role in promoting the social economy is to speak of a well-established track record: pioneering laws, national strategies, European alliances and international agreements. A virtuous circle in which the local feeds the global, and the global reinforces the local.
From the disappearance of essential services like schools and health centers to the shortage of basic infrastructure like high-speed internet access, the consequences of depopulation in rural Spain are devastating and demand solutions.