By the EESC's Civil Society Organisations' Group 

As the EU prepares to launch its long-awaited first Anti-Poverty Strategy, we talked to Alain Coheur, the new president of the EESC's Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) and rapporteur for the EESC's 2024 opinion on Combatting poverty and social exclusion: harnessing the power of the social economy and socio-economic innovations.

What are the three main findings of the opinion?

The opinion identifies poverty as a multidimensional issue that affects housing, education, healthcare, access to energy and digital inclusion. Tackling this complexity requires coordination across the local, national, European and international levels. The social economy is a vital yet underused driver of change. Rooted in solidarity and democratic governance, social economy organisations foster inclusive ecosystems, social innovation and support for vulnerable groups. However, to unlock its potential we need to overcome barriers such as insufficient legal recognition, fragmented funding and limited institutional support. The absence of an integrated European strategy has further undermined collective anti-poverty efforts.

How could these issues be addressed? What are the three main recommendations?

To address these challenges, the opinion advocates a tripartite approach. Locally, social economy organisations must deliver tailored solutions through partnerships, ambassador roles and grassroots innovation. Nationally, governments should fulfil their duty to guarantee fundamental rights by creating supportive legal and fiscal frameworks. At European level, a unified strategy must integrate the social economy into broader transitions such as the social, digital and climate agendas. This requires both robust financial support that optimises the EU cohesion and resilience funds, and a European social economy fund. Aligning with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global and thematic resolutions and OECD recommendations will amplify the social economy’s systemic impact and enable transformative change.

How can the new EU Anti-Poverty Strategy advance the fight against poverty, social exclusion and discrimination?

The EU Anti-Poverty Strategy offers a pivotal opportunity to address global objectives such as SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere) and SDG 10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries), while preparing a vision for a post-2025 Europe centred on well-being. The policies must tackle economic, social and environmental disparities, and at the same time prioritise local initiatives, as communities are best placed to deliver effective solutions. National governments must ensure universal access to essential services such as housing, healthcare and education. The EU should lead by fostering cross-border collaboration and redefining prosperity through metrics of well-being and equity over GDP. Institutionalising the social economy as a cornerstone of this transition will ensure inclusive and just outcomes for all.