How to accelerate the development of the social economy in the countries of Southeast Europe? What steps should be taken for its proper understanding and empowerment?

Answers to these and many other questions can be found in the document Conclusions and recommendations from the conference “Business for the benefit of the community” with a detailed implementation plan that follows.  In this conference held in December 2015 in Belgrade, were shared and discussed the findings and recommendations of the Strategic Study on Social Economy Development in the Context of the Southeast Europe 2020 Strategy, developed by the European Movement in Serbia and SeConS – Development Initiative Group in 2014 and updated in 2015.

The Strategic Study on Social Economy Development in the Context of the Southeast Europe 2020 Strategy provides a broad view of the situation in the social economy sector in Southeast Europe. It identifies the potential of social economy, offers concrete recommendations for the national governments, and proposes regional initiatives to help create an enabling environment for the development of social economy in the region.

Mrs. Juliana Hoxha, Partners Albania director, was part of the regional research team and co-author of the study, and the author of the chapter for Albania. Through desk research and interviews with state actors and Albanian government ministry lines, representatives of non-for-profit sector and business, in this chapter is presented the situation of the social economy in Albania, including legal and institutional framework, an analysis of support mechanisms and financial incentives needed, and are provided a series of recommendations and issues to be addressed in support of the development of social economy.