Vice President Iliana Iotova opened the 12th European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy Entities.

15/10/2024

Vice President Iliana Iotova opened the 12th edition of the European Forum of Social and Solidarity Economy Entities during a formal ceremony in the center of Bankya. The event is organized by the National Council of Labor-Producer Cooperatives (NS TPK), with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. Traditionally, it focuses on the activities of cooperatives and the cause of an economy with a "social face"—one that generates added value for society.

This year, too, the forum received support from prominent public figures, politicians, representatives of local government and academia, as well as allies of the cooperative movement.

Rangel Markov, Mayor of the Bankya District, welcomed the forum’s guests, noting that the event is part of a series of initiatives—now a well-established tradition—carried out in partnership with the National Council of Labor-Producer Cooperatives. "I believe in the success of this high-level forum because of the noble cause it upholds. I believe that only a society whose members support one another and stand in solidarity has a bright future," said Rangel Markov. Vice President Iliana Iotova delivered a strong and emotional message of support to the Union’s leadership and the members of the cooperatives: "It is high time for all of us to consider whether we should establish a robust, large-scale infrastructure—one designed to support not just the Union of Producer Cooperatives, but the individuals themselves—the participants within this Union, the small enterprises, and those in immediate need of timely assistance—so that they may develop their businesses and contribute to society... The work of these people embodies many dreams, acts of creation, and innovative ideas; they are in need of support."

"Approximately six percent of the workforce in Europe is employed within the social and solidarity economy. Unfortunately, in Bulgaria, this figure stands at only about one percent. This means that we all owe a greater effort—an effort that should be directed not only toward fostering strong ties with educational institutions but also toward providing substantial, ongoing support to enterprises within the social and solidarity economy," stated Zornitsa Rusinova, Chair of the Economic and Social Council. "Today’s event serves as an example of how institutions and the civil sector can join forces to support individuals from vulnerable groups, overcome social exclusion, and improve their well-being. In recent years, this event has established itself as a key platform for sharing experience and best practices, facilitating discussions and meetings, and defining priorities for the development of the social economy. Beyond creating jobs, the social economy fosters cohesion and inclusion based on values ​​such as solidarity and democracy—values ​​that are so essential in today’s world," stated Rumyana Petkova, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy.

The Chairman of the National Council of Labor-Producer Cooperatives (TPK) expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for their support and urged cooperative members to continue fulfilling their mission as social enterprises that play a vital role in both the economy and society. "The primary objective of this forum is to establish a dialogue between institutions, the business community, and citizens, while raising awareness about the true nature of social entrepreneurship," emphasized Assoc. Prof. Vladislav Lazarov, D.Sc.

The opening ceremony concluded with a fashion show featuring collections created by students from the "Fashion" program at the South-West University "Neofit Rilski."
The forum will continue over the coming days with a scientific-practical conference and an exhibition of products from the cooperatives, held in the central square of Bankya.