Social Economy Europe President, Juan Antonio Pedreño, declared “We are extremely happy to welcome CECOP-CICOPA Europe in Social Economy Europe. Cooperatives active in industry and services, as an important part of the cooperative movement, are a key pillar of the social economy. Together, we will continue strengthening the voice of the European social economy, we will boost our visibility and we will tirelessly work for a more conducive ecosystem for all social economy enterprises and organisations, allowing us to further contribute to economic and social progress for all”.

CECOP-CICOPA Europe President, Giuseppe Guerini, declared “Cooperatives in industry and services have always been a structural component of the social economy. SEE is the natural place where to grow together with other organizations that share and promote economic democracy, citizens' participation in the construction of a fair, free and inclusive market composed by different forms of enterprises. We are very pleased to become a member of SEE with whom we have been sharing vision and goals for a long time. In particular, in this delicate moment of the EU history the role of organizations bringing people together, fostering unity and participation in order to achieve solidarity and social inclusion is crucial. A strong social economy contributes to a greater future for Europe.”

SEE is the voice of the 2.8 million social economy enterprises and organisations in Europe. Its members are the European organisations of mutual insurers and insurance cooperatives, health mutuals, industrial and service cooperatives, foundations, paritarian institutions, associations of general interest, work integration social enterprises, ethical and alternative banks and financiers and cities and regions for the social economy. At national level, SEE members are the social economy umbrella organisations of Belgium (ConcertES), France (ESS-France), Italy (Forum Nazionale Terzo Settore).