See more on expert groups.
In social economy, there is a general 'Expert Group on Social Economy and Social Enterprises' (GECES - 2018-2024). Currently in its third mandate, this group advises the Commission on social economy policy.
Additionally, a temporary 'special group' operates until the end of 2024. This group is tasked with designing a code of conduct for data management and sharing in the social economy, and it has a limited and temporary mandate.
Expert group on social economy and social enterprises (GECES)
The GECES (Commission Expert Group on the Social Economy and Social Enterprises) advises the European Commission on policies related to the social economy and social enterprises.
Composed of 27 experts from the private sector, 27 from the public sector, and observers from organisations like the OECD and the UN, GECES provides essential expertise. The group assists the Commission in implementing measures from the action plan for the social economy, developing the Transition Pathway for the ‘Proximity and Social Economy’ industrial ecosystem, and preparing legislative proposals. Additionally, GECES facilitates the exchange of best practices and enhances awareness of social economy issues. The GECES Expert Group starts its third mandate in September 2024.
Previous call for applications on GECES
Applications for potential expert group members are closed
Expert group on social entrepreneurship (2011-2018)
This expert group was active before the current one. This information is now archived but is still available.
See the archived content
Special group on a code of conduct for social economy data management and sharing
The European Commission is developing a Code of Conduct for data management and sharing in the social economy, as announced by the social economy action plan (2021) and the transition pathway for proximity and social economy (2022).
This initiative aims to enhance data use and technology adoption within the social economy sector. A drafting committee, composed of up to 21 selected experts, will create guidelines to help social enterprises collect, process, and share data effectively. This code will foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the social economy, supporting the EU's green and digital transition goals. We will present the code during the final event on 28 November 2024 in Brussels.