(Rule 52)

A3-0323/94

Resolution on the alternative, social economy

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Pronk on a Community initiative to create more jobs in the framework of the 'social economy' (B3-0991/93),

-having regard to the EC Treaty, in particular Article 2 thereof and Title VI on economic and monetary policy,

-having regard to the Community Charter of Fundamental Social Rights for Workers,

-having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 December 1992 entitled 'Towards a Europe of solidarity - Intensifying the fight against social exclusion, fostering integration' (COM(92)0542),

-having regard to its resolution of 15 May 1987 on the follow-up to the Council resolution of 7 June 1984 on the contribution of local employment initiatives to combating unemployment,

-having regard to its resolution of 26 May 1989 on the role of women in cooperatives and local employment initiatives,

-having regard to its resolution of 15 February 1993 on the statute for a European association, a European mutual society and a European cooperative society,

-having regard to its resolution of 13 July 1993 on combating poverty and social exclusion in the European Community,

-having regard to the opinions of the Economic and Social Committee adopted on 21 October 1993,

-having regard to its resolution of 11 February 1994 on the contribution of cooperatives to regional development,

-having regard to the preparations for the UN World Summit on social development (Copenhagen - March 1995),

-having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having delegated the power of decision to the Committee on Social Affairs, Employment and the Working Environment pursuant to Rule 52 of the Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Social Affairs, Employment and the Working Environment (A3-0323/94),

A.whereas, despite the efforts made at European Union level and by the Member States to revitalize the economy, the number of unemployed and socially excluded people is continuing to rise, reaching disastrous levels,

B.whereas a major strengthening of the social policy of the European Union is thus absolutely imperative,

C.whereas the conventional approach to boosting growth is inadequate to reduce unemployment,

D.whereas an increasing number of European Union citizens regard this situation as unacceptable and are prepared to support solidarity measures,

E.welcoming the benefits which have already flowed from the various grassroots and alternative and social economy projects which have sprung up over the last ten years, based on innovation and solidarity, creating thousands of lasting jobs by establishing a range of partnerships with local institutions, local and regional authorities and traditional branches of business,

F.whereas, since it came into being, the social economy in Europe has played an important, multi-faceted role, not least in creating jobs, and whereas such projects help the social economy sector meet the new challenges which the economic crisis has created, i.e. the increase in severe poverty, social exclusion in all its forms, a worrying urban and rural crisis and the collapse of social bonds,

G.expressing the hope that the European Union and the Member States will take appropriate measures to strengthen and extend these projects,

1.Takes the view that these alternative and social economy projects, launched in all the countries of the European Union, are playing a vital, pioneering role and, despite their still modest scope, represent models which can be applauded, supported and recognized as a integral part of the economic and social policy of the European Union;

2.Notes with interest the increasing public support for the socially supportive financial instruments (community kitties - ethical, local saving - venture capital - mutual societies - guarantee funds) employed by grassroots groups in the countries of the European Union to help create work and set up firms in a particular district, town, rural area, region or even country;

3.Welcomes, in more general terms, the creation of lasting jobs in a very wide range of socially and ecologically useful manufacturing and service sectors: housing, the arts, health, environment, tourism, craft industries, commerce, transport, agriculture, protection of the natural heritage, finance, renewable energy sources, communications, waste recycling, new technologies and training; this has been achieved by harnessing local development energies and setting up thousands of networks of volunteers who identify needs and offer guidance and support to project leaders;

4.Stresses that all these measures have already created thousands of jobs and also helped to repair a socio-economic fabric shattered by the economic crisis and to rebuild solidarities and social links;

5.Stresses that such measures are a perfect adjunct to the work experience and training programmes already implemented under the auspices of the European Union, the European Social Fund and the Member States;

6.Expresses its determination to support such measures politically with a view to raising their profile and helping them to increase in number;

7.Hopes that these projects and organizations will be properly coordinated, taken into account and supported at Community level;

8.Calls, in particular, on the European Union and the Member States to take steps to recognize these organizations and encourage their joint representation at European level and to support certain of their activities;

9.Calls on the Commission to study

(a)how it might be possible to make it easier for these projects to gain support from banks and financial instruments; to help set up socially supportive financial instruments and start-up funds,

(b)how to take steps to ensure that the alternative, social sector can benefit from Community support for SMUs and SMIs, just as traditional businesses do,

(c)how to facilitate meetings and exchanges of experience between representatives of these projects,

(d)how to set up a special unit to monitor these projects with a view to framing a consistent policy towards them and

(e)how to support professional training and further training for producers and local and regional network leaders;

10.Calls on the Commission, in the course of the further deliberations on the proposals made in the White Paper, to have short-term analyses carried out of the impact of the alternative, social economy, in particular on employment, and to forward the findings to Parliament;

11.Hopes that a debate will be held on the conditions needed for a revival of the idea of a third economic sector, a social, voluntary economy;

12.Calls on the Council to discuss the achievements of this sector and their importance at one of its meetings;

13.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission.