Social Economy Europe is a representative group for cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations. It is a European Union level institution for the social economy that aims to promote social and economic input of enterprises and organizations. They also promote the role of and values of social economy entities throughout Europe. The group claims to represent 10% of all European businesses or 2 million businesses representing 20 million workers. The organization emphasizes a “different approach to entrepreneurship”.
Social Economy Europe recently posted a position paper on crowdfunding, signed by their President Alain Coheur. This document states that:
- Crowdfunding is a new name for “typical” funding.
- Regulation and legislation concerning crowdfunding is desired to maintain trust.
- Crowdfunding should stay accessible as a funding instrument.
- Crowdfunding regulation and legislation should include criteria for democratic governance, collective ownership and not-for-profit orientation.
There is an “expert group” on social business (GECES) meeting scheduled for later this year where it appears that crowdfunding will be on the agenda for the 5th meeting.
Their position paper is posted below.
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