“The Social Economy Sector held Europe’s Social fabric during the COVID crisis – but the question is how to improve it? “.

Yesterday as part of the European Social Economy Week 2021, Eurodiaconia’s Secretary General Heather Roy chaired the Panel Discussion on “Rebuilding Europe’s Social Fabric After the COVID Crisis: Universal Healthcare, Social Services and Opportunities for All”.

Representing our Member Sleszká Diakonie and amongst the guest speakers was Romana Bélová, who shared some of the lessons learned from the pandemic while stating that the key element of their work -as a Social Enterprise- is to support people in need and how COVID highlighted how their role is now more important than ever.

Romana also shared some suggestions  on how we can move forward from the pandemic and rebuild Europe’s social fabric. First and foremost, we must ensure that implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights is bold and ambitious  safeguarding and promoting the social sector as a key factor contributing to a better quality of life.

The need for ensuring services and health care are funded and accessible for everyone as well as emphasising the role of digitalisation and a more effective use of technologies were also highlighted.

At Eurodiaconia, we believe that without sustainable action plans there will not be continuity to the post-COVID adaptation processes. New legal and financial frameworks are needed to support Social Enterprises, while accessible social services must be put at the forefront of the EU’s post-COVID recovery plans to ensure that no one is left behind.