Ministry of Labor Launches National Strategy for Social Economy 

The Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity (MMSS) will develop and implement the National Strategy for Social Economy in the upcoming period, along with over 400 occupational standards, including in the field of social economy, announced Minister Simona Bucura-Oprescu

This initiative follows a meeting with Alexandre Lourie, International Director of Groupe SOS, the largest consortium of social integration enterprises in France, which also includes Ateliere Fără Frontiere (AFF).

According to an official statement, MMSS and Groupe SOS will collaborate on developing a social entrepreneurship incubator in Romania, inspired by similar initiatives in other EU countries.

Minister Bucura-Oprescu also announced that Romania will sign memoranda of understanding with relevant ministries in France and Italy, similar to the one already signed with Spain, to support the development of the social economy and implement pilot projects. Additionally, the minister signed a recommendation to European Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, requesting the inclusion of social economy in the “People, Skills, and Training” portfolio.

“I want Romania to follow the example of France, Spain, and Italy, where the social economy contributes over 10% of GDP. We will develop and implement the National Strategy for Social Economy and create over 400 occupational standards. I aspire for MMSS to become a Ministry of Labor and Social Development through effective public policies in investment, training, and employment,” stated Minister Bucura-Oprescu.

MMSS will continue its collaboration with AFF to support the integration of vulnerable people and the expansion of social economy enterprises in Romania.