site.bta10th European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy Subjects Opens in Plovdiv

The 10th edition of the European forum on the subjects of social and solidarity economy was unveiled here on Monday. The event is organized by the National Union of Worker Producers’ Cooperatives, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and International Plovdiv Fair under the motto "Fair, adequate and transformative social economy".

The forum’s schedule features conferences, discussions, and round tables that will be attended by members of the Bulgarian state and local governments, EU institutions, as well as the scientific community, business, and civil society.

Opening the forum, Vice President Iliana Iotova thanked the National Union of Worker Producers' Cooperatives for defending the rights of workers despite the multiple crises, the difficulties and the turbulent political times. 

Labour and Social Policy Minister Georgi Gyokov said that social economy does not only serve to create jobs, but it also brings closer people who share values such as solidarity and democracy. He added that this type of economy allows for workers' rights to be recognized and protected.

The EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit said that the workers in social economy do not just contribute to developing this type of economy but also to the Bulgarian economy as a whole. "The first thing we would like to do is to establish a common framework, to support social economy and social enterprises in their progress. Secondly, we want to invest more in social enterprises and cooperatives, to encourage their growth. Thirdly, we want to widen the scope of social economy and to tie it to education and training," the Commissioner said.

This year’s forum features more than 100 social enterprises, cooperatives and NGOs from Bulgaria and abroad, promoting their products. Another 50 traditional companies are also taking part in the exposition.