Brussels, 26/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - In the course of this year, the European Commission will adopt a communication on the social entrepreneurship initiative. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), having been asked to propose recommendations and action to encourage social entrepreneurship in Europe, will hold a public hearing in Brussels, on Thursday 28 July. Debate will cover issues as diverse as better defining social enterprises, facilitating access to finance and promoting a better visibility of that sector. The aim is to involve civil society in the debate as well as to present the viewpoints of different stakeholders on the issue. These contributions will serve as a basis for the discussion in the study group and will be reflected in an EESC exploratory opinion, expected by October 2011. Among the speakers will be Brenda King, Employers' Group, UK, Chair of the Study Group on Social Entrepreneurship, Ariane Rodert, EESC rapporteur on social entrepreneurship, Emmanuel Vallens, Policy Coordinator, European Commission, DG Internal Market and Services, and Patrick du Bucquois, President of the European Council for Voluntary Organisations (CEDAG).
For further information: http://www.eesc.europa.eu (G.B./transl.rt)