The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has met with representatives of the Spanish Business Confederation for the Social Economy (CEPES) and the French Chamber of Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS France), and has reaffirmed the government's commitment to a sector that accounts for 10% of GDP, comprises over 127,000 enterprises and generates more than 2.25 million jobs.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during the meeting with representatives of the Spanish Business Confederation of the Social Economy (CEPES) (Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during the meeting with representatives of the Spanish Business Confederation of the Social Economy (CEPES) (Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa)

The meeting was attended by Juan Antonio Pedreño, President of CEPES and Social Economy Europe; Bennoît Hamon, President of ESS France; and Manuel de la Rocha, Director of the Economic and G20 Office. Also present were the Vice-presidents of CEPES, Jerónima Bonafé, Leire Muguerza and Luis Miguel Jurado, as well as the Vice-president of ESS France, Stéphane Montuzet.

Pedro Sánchez conveyed to CEPES representatives the Government's firm commitment to the social economy, within the framework of strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy and seizing opportunities arising from the twin green and digital transitions. They analysed progress on the European Pillar of Social Rights and the rollout of the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) for the Social Economy. ThePERTE for the Social Economy and Care Sectorhas mobilised €2.5 billion in European funds from theRecovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, benefiting 4,400 organisations across the country, and providing a major boost to the care sector.

Another milestone in the Government of Spain's commitment to the social economy has been the passing of the Comprehensive Act to Promote the Social Economy last April, which has revitalised and consolidated the sector in Spain. Furthermore, the Government has set up the Vanguard Hub of the Social Economy and is rolling out the Spanish Social Economy Strategy 2023-2027. In addition, the Government is committed to the internationalisation of the social economy as a driver for a more humane, fair and sustainable economic model.