ENSIE’s Resource Hub

Infosheet - Changes within the European Commission: what you need to know

The European Commission is organised into Directorates-General (DGs), each responsible for specific EU policy areas, legislation, and funding programmes. For Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) and their networks, understanding this institutional landscape is essential to identify the right interlocutors, anticipate policy developments, and make the most of EU-level opportunities.

A significant institutional change took place at the beginning of 2025. The Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), which was operational until 1 February 2025, has been replaced by two new DGs. The Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (MENA) is now the Commission’s main entry point for countries in these regions, while the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (ENEST) is responsible for advancing the EU’s enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood policies. This restructuring is particularly relevant for organisations involved in cooperation projects or partnerships beyond the EU.

Beyond this change, several DGs play a strategic role for WISEs and deserve close attention. DG EMPL remains the central actor for the social economy at EU level. It leads the implementation of the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) and manages key policy files and funding instruments that are highly relevant for WISEs, including social rights, poverty reduction, skills, quality jobs, just transition, youth and homelessness, notably through the ESF+.

Other DGs strongly shape the policy and economic environment in which WISEs operate. DG REGIO leads cohesion policy and funds, which are expected to undergo major changes in the next EU budget and represent a primary entry point for the just transition. DG GROW continues to influence policies linked to the economic role of WISEs—such as public procurement, business-to-business cooperation, clusters and digitalisation—despite the dismantling of its dedicated social economy unit.

Several additional DGs are also of high relevance. DG ENV develops and implements EU environmental policy and will be responsible for the upcoming Circular Economy Act. DG TAXUD plays a key role in shaping taxation frameworks that can support the social economy. DG AGRI is pivotal in supporting social farming and WISEs in rural areas, while DG ECFIN is a major actor in the management of InvestEU, steering investments towards the social economy and microfinance. Finally, DG EAC promotes opportunities through Erasmus+, including for WISEs engaged in educational, cultural or youth-focused activities, particularly targeting NEETs.

In a rapidly evolving institutional context, keeping track of these Directorates-General and their priorities enables WISEs and their networks to better position themselves, strengthen their advocacy efforts, and anticipate policy and funding opportunities at EU level. Contact details of directors and heads of units are available through the Commission’s Who is Who portal.

Infosheet: Insights from ENSIE members on national social economy strategies implementing the Council Recommendation

In the first semester of 2025, ENSIE carried out a targeted consultation among its members to better understand how they are engaging with the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the social economy at national level. Ten ENSIE members from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Spain and Sweden took part in the exercise. The results have fed directly into ENSIE’s contribution to the mid-term review of the Social Economy Action Plan.

The consultation shows that awareness of the Council Recommendation among members is uneven. While a significant share of respondents report being familiar with the Recommendation, others remain only partially aware or not aware at all, pointing to the need for continued information and capacity-building efforts at network level.

Despite these differences in awareness, most respondents report positive developments at national level. Seven out of ten members indicate that their country is currently preparing or updating a national social economy strategy. Importantly, 60% of respondents have already been involved in these processes, although their level of engagement varies considerably—from limited consultation to more structured and sustained participation.

When asked about their experience of working with national authorities, members highlighted several recurring challenges. These include limited political engagement, weak or ad-hoc stakeholder consultation, and difficult access to institutional decision-makers. Many respondents also point to slow or stalled implementation, under-resourced support structures, and insufficient or unstable legal frameworks, sometimes affected by speculative interference or a lack of clear governmental commitment.

Looking ahead, members clearly identify where ENSIE can add the most value. Priorities include strengthening members’ skills through targeted training, facilitating networking with other social economy stakeholders, and providing timely updates on EU policies and funding opportunities. Members also stress the importance of peer learning through webinars and events, alongside ENSIE’s continued advocacy at EU level to ensure that national strategies effectively reflect the needs and realities of WISEs.

Implementation of the Council's recommendations and national strategies. How to be involved?

Are you ready to shape your country’s strategy for the social economy?

ENSIE has developed a practical toolkit to help its members and WISEs across Europe engage effectively in the implementation of the EU Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions, adopted in November 2023.

What’s inside the Toolkit?
This resource offers:

• Step-by-step guidance for engaging in national strategy development

• Three in-depth country case studies (Ireland, Romania, Finland) with lessons learned

• A compendium of good practices for national-level advocacy

• Key insights on how to navigate ESF+ and ERDF monitoring structures, promote inclusive public procurement, and collaborate with national authorities

Why now?
Member States must adopt or update their national social economy strategies by the end of 2025. This is a critical moment to make sure WISEs are heard and included.

Whether you’re building alliances, presenting action plans, or contributing to policy development, this toolkit equips you with the knowledge and tools to act.

Download the toolkit now and take action for WISEs!

Comparative tables: Understanding national approaches to WISE support mechanisms

ENSIE has developed two comparative tables to map and analyse how EU Member States support Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) through quotas and fiscal benefits. These tools aim to inform policy and advocacy by offering a clearer picture of national measures that enhance the employment and social inclusion of disadvantaged individuals.

The first table focuses on quotas systems—legal obligations requiring public or private employers to reserve a share of jobs or procurement opportunities for underrepresented groups, primarily persons with disabilities. While most countries adopt some form of quotas, the implementation, scope, sanctions, and alternative compliance options (such as buying from WISEs) vary widely. Notably, some systems allow employers to meet obligations through purchases from WISEs, reinforcing their role in inclusive labour markets.

The second table reviews fiscal benefits for WISEs, including corporate tax exemptions, reduced VAT rates, subsidies for social insurance contributions, and donor tax incentives. These benefits aim to offset the higher costs WISEs face due to the additional support provided to their workers. However, the distribution of these measures remains fragmented and inconsistent, often tied to legal forms rather than the inclusive nature of the activities carried out.

Comparative analysis on European framework conditions for WISEs

In the Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions, the EU calls member states to develop national comprehensive strategies (9.) that "acknowledge the core principles, features and scope of the social economy, and recognise that they can take a range of different legal forms and statuses and are specific to different national, regional and local laws and practices"(11.).

To that extent, ENSIE is managing a comparative work to show the different framework conditions among WISEs in Europe, thanks to the extensive results from B-WISE studies and internal researches.

Three comparative table have been prepared, on 3 crucial topics for WISEs:

• National definition of Disadvantaged workers and Severely disadvantaged workers

• Subsidies, social security and support 

• WISEs legal framework across Europe

Find the full comparative tables below. 

We are very proud of these results are strengthening knowledge on WISEs in the EU. We would be more than happy to receive your feedbacks and comments on this results together in Prague in the next General Assembly.

At a second stage ENSIE will provide an analytical reaction, aiming at consolidating the state of play of framework conditions  in EU member states.

Read ENSIE's infosheets and learn more on the European Pillar of Social Rights, on the Social Economy Action Plan, and on the Eastern Partnerships

ENSIE has published a new set of infosheets to deepen understanding of key EU policy frameworks relevant to Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs). This collection includes resources on the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Social Economy Action Plan and tailored insights on the Eastern Partnerships, available in both English and French. These concise documents offer accessible explanations and practical perspectives to support advocacy, policy engagement and implementation across Europe.

Infosheet on WISEs and Cohesion Funds

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) receive significant support from the European Union's Cohesion Funds, which enable them to implement projects advancing employment, social inclusion, and skills development. Funding primarily comes from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). These resources empower WISEs to innovate and adopt sustainable practices, ensuring they remain key players in building resilient, inclusive communities. Cohesion Policy, a cornerstone of EU efforts since the Treaty of Rome, aims to reduce regional disparities and foster unity across the bloc.

ENSIE advocates for more targeted allocation of Cohesion Funds to bolster the social economy. This includes dedicating 10% of ESF+ and 5% of ERDF budgets to WISEs and enhancing public authority capacities to better address on-the-ground needs. Strengthening partnership principles through meaningful dialogue with social economy networks is also essential for effective, inclusive development. These measures are vital as the EU invests €65 billion to support green and digital transitions, ensuring WISEs continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Infosheet on the 2024 European Semester

The European Semester 2024 integrates the new framework of Medium-Term Fiscal Structural Plans (MTFSPs), which outline reforms and investments aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. These plans focus on debt reduction, social inclusion, and preparing workers for the green and digital economies. Countries across the EU are adopting innovative approaches to employment, such as Sweden’s mentorship programs for vulnerable groups, Ireland’s tax incentives for expanding workforces, and Poland’s cooperatives for refugee reintegration. The EU Semester highlights the importance of collaboration to address shared priorities and foster resilience across member states.

The MTFSPs present significant opportunities for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) to support vulnerable populations and promote social inclusion. ENSIE recommends leveraging these plans to secure funding for employment pathways, upskilling initiatives, and social procurement policies. Examples include Italy’s focus on requiring public contractors to employ marginalised groups and the Netherlands’ low-interest loans for social enterprises. As these fiscal plans reshape EU economic governance, WISEs must engage proactively with public authorities to ensure their voices are heard in shaping inclusive policies.