European Union policies supporting the growth of social economy. A new concept for the socio-economic development in the EU

European Union policies supporting the growth of social economy. A new concept for the socio-economic development in the EUIn the EU, we are now dealing with a new approach to the social economy and institutionalised support for this sector. Social economy is becoming increasingly important in the European economy and plays an important role as a source of employment and a key local actor working for the well-being of local communities, particularly in the area of social inclusion and employment.In this context, the aim of the paper is to analyse the growing importance of the social enterprise sector in the European Union, in the context of a new concept of socio-economic development. The social economy has proven that its capabilities make for an effective contribution to solving new social problems, and at the same time, has strengthened its position in the traditional sectors of the economy, in particular, with regards to the negative effects of the economic crisis of recent years.