EU legislation could boost social enterprises
Commission Expert Group on Social Enterprise asks UK charities for views on suggestions by Wednesday
A major piece of EU legislation that could become law this year will contain proposals to boost social enterprise, an advisory committee to the European Commission has said.
A number of proposals have been put forward for inclusion in the Single Market Act, a piece of EU legislation designed to grow the European economy and create jobs. Suggestions include transferring money confiscated from criminals to social enterprises and creating a European community reinvestment act that would require banks to lend a minimum amount of money in socially disadvantaged areas.
The Commission Expert Group on Social Enterprise, known as the GECES, is asking charities in the UK to respond to a survey on a group of proposals. Some of the proposals have been put forward by the GECES and others have been proposed by the European Commission itself.
Responses to the GECES survey are required by Wednesday. Filippo Addarii, chief executive of Euclid, the European network for third sector leaders, and a member of the GECES, said his group had asked to have the consultation period extended, but had been refused.
"It’s very important to respond to these ideas," he said. "This is a great opportunity to influence the policy process right at the beginning."
