A “change towards a greener, fairer and more inclusive future” seems high on the European Council’s new strategic agenda for the next five years [1].
The agenda promotes inclusive labour markets that provide opportunities for all and help tackling inequalities and different forms of exclusion. In order to achieve this, the Council underlines the need to invest in people’s skills and education, support entrepreneurship and innovation. It also stresses the importance of an effective circular economy for a successful green transition.
Interestingly, the new agenda explicitly makes the link between inclusiveness and sustainability, emphasising that the green transition should not leave anybody behind. By employing and training people at risk of socio-economic exclusion through re-use, repair and recycling activities, RREUSE members combine both inclusiveness and sustainability through rewarding and formative jobs.
The statements in the new strategic agenda seem to encourage a favourable ecosystem for social enterprises in the circular economy. Thus, we are looking forward to seeing these priorities implemented by the different EU institutions and Member States.
[1] The European Council defines the European Union‘s overall political direction and priorities. It is composed by the heads of state or government of the EU Member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
Picture credit RREUSE