Social Economy Europe (SEE) is a Brussels-based association representing the interests of social economy enterprises and organizations within the European Union. Established in November 2000 under the name CEP-CMAF, the organization was founded to formalize interactions between social economy actors—such as cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, and foundations—and European institutions. In 2008, it adopted its current name to reflect its expanded remit.
SEE speaks for an estimated 4.3 million social economy enterprises across Europe. Its membership consists of 28 organizations, including networks representing work integration social enterprises, microfinance institutions, and various national and regional social economy entities. The head office is located at Rue des Alexiens 16B in Brussels.
The organization is involved in advocacy for policy frameworks that affect its member sectors. SEE works on files such as the European Social Economy Action Plan, the European Pillar of Social Rights, industrial and SME strategies, cohesion policy, and proposals related to cross-border associations. It has an annual lobbying expenditure of up to €199,999, with a small staff and lobbyists accredited to the European Parliament.
Concrete examples of SEE's engagement include participating in consultations on the Green Deal and cohesion policy, promoting the Pact for Skills, and addressing issues like public procurement and inclusion strategies. Member organizations, such as the European Network of Social Integration Enterprises, demonstrate SEE’s role in representing enterprises that focus on work integration, social inclusion, and responsible finance.
SEE operates as a structured platform to coordinate and voice the political, legislative, and funding needs of Europe’s diverse social economy sector.