Social Economy Policies for Combating Organised Crime

The social economy is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of Europe’s resilience, combining economic weight with a unique capacity to generate social trust and democratic participation. With 2.8 million enterprises—10% of all EU businesses—it contributes 6.3% of GDP and engages nearly 20 million people, including volunteers. Its defining features—collective interest, reinvestment of surpluses, and participatory governance—make it a driver of cohesion and sustainable development while offering corrective mechanisms where markets and states fall short. Crucially, the sector also acts as a counterweight to organised crime by regenerating social capital, restoring trust in public institutions, and enabling the social reuse of confiscated assets. Recent EU policy frameworks, including the Social Economy Action Plan, the Transition Pathway, and the 2023 Council Recommendation, have positioned the sector at the core of Europe’s green and digital transitions. Yet, despite this momentum, scaling up remains uneven across Member States. Strengthening enabling conditions and ensuring long-term political commitment are critical to unlock the sector’s full potential as both an engine of sustainable growth and a barrier against
high-risk criminal networks.