Webinar: Social and solidarity economy & rural development in Europe

In France, a 3-year programme - the TRESSONS project - driven by Avise and RTES and supported by the National Rural Network and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) has enlightened the central role of social and solidarity economy (SSE) in the development and in the attractivness of rural communities, as well as in trends promoting ecological and solidarity transitions.

At the European level, different networks also documented its role, such as the report of Pour la Solidarité and RTES about SSE in rural and urban areas as well as the numerous works led by DIESIS Network related to rural development or the New European Bauhaus. 

While an EU Rural Action Plan and a Rural Pact are being prepared (more about), this webinar aims to question the potential of SSE for the development of rural areas in Europe, and the key challenges and avenues to strenghten its impact.

Programme

1. Introduction
   Challenges for rural development, European policies and SSE - Veronika Korcekova, Contact Point at The European network for rural development
   An overview of social and solidarity economy in rural areas in Europe - Denis Stokkink, President of theThink & do tank Pour La Solidarité
    
2. Zoom on France
   Key learnings of a 3-year programme about SSE in rural areas and illustrations - Bérengère Daviaud, Project Leader at Avise (French Competence centre for social innovation) and Patricia Andriot Vice-President at RTES (French network of local governments for a solidarity economy)
    
3. Focus on 3 initiatives in Europe: Greece, Sweden and Romania
   - The LEADER Community-led local development (CLLD) programme in Karditsa area (Greece)- Vassilis Bellis, Director of ANKA development agency (Greek Competence centre for social innovation)
   - The Mötesplats Stöcke - Maria Bergstén, Co-founder of Mötesplats Stöcke Sweden
   - Study case from Romania - Claudia Petrescu, Senior Researcher at the Research Institute for quality of life
    
4. Perspectives and exchange between participants
   Key challenges and avenues to strenghten SSE in rural areas in europe  - Anastasia Costantini, Senior Expert SDGs and Green transition at DIESIS Network

Organisers

• Avise: the french collective engineering agency to develop the social and solidarity economy (SSE) and social innovation, also part of the European competence centers for social innovation
• RTES: the french network of local governments for a solidarity economy
• Forum Synergies: a non-profit association of engaged citizens, organisations and active practitioners engaged in sustainable rural development, working at a European scale
• DIESIS network: Diesis Network supports the development of the social economy, social entrepreneurship and social innovation in Europe

Practical information

Date: tuesday 16th November
Time: 10 am to 12 am
Online, with a translation service in english and french

>> Link to register