The visit to Kavala by Mario Nava, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), marked an especially important moment for the Social and Solidarity Economy in our region. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to present the work and tangible impact of Bluechain Research Cooperative. as a social enterprise operating at the frontiers of digital technology - an area not traditionally associated with the social economy. Our participation also contributed to the wider European dialogue on the implementation of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the development of the regional Social and Solidarity Economy ecosystem.
For the first time, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace launched an ESF+ funding initiative specifically supporting Social and Solidarity Economy organisations. From the early planning stages, Bluechain contributed ideas and practical knowledge alongside the other stakeholders and maintained close cooperation with the Programme’s Managing Authority (EYDAMTH) throughout its implementation. Building on the first positive results, we are now providing feedback and working with the Region to shape the next steps and an improved second funding round.