Eight regional policy representatives from the Social Enterprise Exchange - A Regional Approach travelled to Brussels in September 2025 for a short working visit focused on social enterprise and the social economy.
The delegation was hosted with the support of MEP Maria Walsh and met with European policymakers including Ciarán Mullooly, MEP and Billy Kelleher MEP. All expressed a strong welcome for the group's visit and were supportive of this unique policy collaboration work in the Midlands Just Transition region. The group visited the European Parliament to explore how European policy can empower Irish regions can leverage policy to grow fairer, more sustainable enterprises and jobs. Discussions in the European Parliament highlighted the value of connecting local action with EU-level decision-making, with commitments made to continue supporting this collaborative approach in the months ahead.
Day 2 started with policy learning from across Europe when expert speakers set the scene with an overview of The Care Economy. This was organised by REVES. In the afternoon, there was a further practical social economy learning with presentations and learning from CoopCity Brussels. The topics ranged from building innovative social enterprise systems to discussing long-term care systems in Europe. We gained valuable insight into how training, storytelling, and collaboration can strengthen communities.
The trip concluded with a Midlands regional reflection session. This included identifying key priorities such as stronger networks, better alignment between local and EU policy, and the creation of learning hubs for social enterprise. The visit reinforced that Ireland’s Just Transition is part of a wider European movement for greener, fairer, and more caring economies.
We are delighted to have a dedicated working group representing Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, and Roscommon, bringing together expertise from Local Authorities, LEADER, and Local Development Companies to drive this important work forward.
