FEPS Fringe event at the Congress of Economic Democracy

Tackling challenges of local communities through employee ownership in the EU

01/10/2024
14:00 - 16:00
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, Dimičeva ulica 13
FEPS Fringe event at the Congress of Economic Democracy
74067
feps-fringe-event-at-the-congress-of-economic-democracy
0

In order to give you access to our events, FEPS processes your personal data together with any other organiser of this event mentioned in the description of the event and in accordance with 'FEPS’ data protection policy.

In collaboration with the IED, FEPS and Open Society Foundations (OSF) organised a fringe event on “Tackling Challenges of Local Communities Through Employee Ownership in the EU” at the 3rd Slovenian Congress of Economic Democracy 2024. This interactive expert workshop brought together representatives from European municipalities that pioneered policies promoting employee ownership to discuss their implementation, strategies, and results. Additionally, EU representatives provided guidance on available tools and relevant EU legislation to design such policies. 

Over the past decades, European local communities have experienced increasing instability resulting from globalisation. Larger conglomerates or private equity firms are increasingly taking over local businesses. This trend weakens local economies and puts pressure on authorities as businesses are often at risk of relocating production.

Simultaneously, individuals increasingly seek opportunities abroad or in larger urban centres offering better career prospects. This migration leaves smaller towns and rural areas struggling to retain skilled workers and develop their economies organically. Unable to compete on salary alone, these communities must find alternative ways to encourage people to build their careers locally.

Employee ownership offers a solution by anchoring business ownership within local communities, aligning company interests with those of the broader community. It also attracts skilled workers by providing them a stake in their companies beyond just a paycheck, ensuring the long-term presence of businesses.

Many European municipalities have recognised the value of employee ownership in creating resilient and thriving local economies. Especially during times of austerity when national governments shy away from ambitious social programs, many cities have successfully promoted inclusive forms of business ownership to rebuild their economic and social fabric, improving local living standards.

The 3rd Slovenian Congress of Economic Democracy 2024 was organised by the Institute for Economic Democracy (IED) and aimed to foster dialogue on the challenges local communities face and the developmental opportunities that supporting employee ownership can create. The Congress will present employee ownership as a solution to local economic development challenges and initiate discussions between local companies and representatives of local, national, and European policies.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Anna Kolesnichenko, FEPS Policy Analyst on Economy (anna.kolesnichenko@feps-europe.eu), and Vanessa Zwisele, FEPS Project Officer (vanessa.zwisele@feps-europe.eu).

Network
Institute for Economic Democracy (IED)
Open Society Foundations
Find all related publications
Publications
03/07/2024

Building Economic Democracy in Europe

Concepts, Cases and Achieving Progressive Change
14/05/2024

Tightening welfare belts again?

FEPS YAN Series
22/11/2023

The macro-economic impact of the cost crisis

Lessons for Europe
09/06/2023

Governing the RRF

Recovery Watch series
Find all related events
Events
Past
06/12/2024
FEPS HQ, Brussels

Industrial Renewal – No strategy, no party

Policy study launch
25/09/2024
Académie Royale, Brussels

Supporting workers in the transitions and ensuring quality jobs

Forging the new EU agenda - High-level conference
25/09/2024
Académie Royale, Brussels

Anchoring equality in the new European agenda

Forging the new EU agenda - High-level conference
Find all related news
News
29/11/2023

Economic Democracy

FEPS launches an initiative on Economic Democracy
18/10/2022

Open letter to call for a deep reform of the EU fiscal rules

28/04/2022

Prof. Stiglitz: NextGenEU was a step forward, but the EU needs more flexibility

20/12/2019

De-Risking the Future of Europe. Reforming the EU Macrofinancial Architecture

Find all related in the media
In the media

Megadóztatná a szupergazdagokat? Ha igen, most tehet valamit

by Zöld Hang 04/10/2024
'Would you tax the super-rich? If so, you can do something now' Interview to FEPS Secretary General, László Andor on the 'Tax the rich' EU initiative by the Hungarian newspaper Zöld Hang.

Orbánov boj z zunanjim sovražnikom ni bil kos inflaciji

by DELO 28/05/2024
In an article in Delo, László Andor criticises Viktor Orbán government's economic policies, such as not allowing Hungary to join the euro area, which he believes would have helped curb inflation. He also criticises the government for blaming external enemies such as the President of the European Commission, to cover up its own failures.

FEPS President at Euronews talk-show ‘Brussels, my love?’

by Euronews 15/01/2024
Panellists discussed topics including EU fiscal rules reform, German farmer's protests, and the decision of Charles Michel to quit his job early to run for MEP.

“Trade doesn’t work in isolation from good domestic policies” Interview to Arancha González

by Borderlex 19/09/2023
Interview to Arancha González, former Spanish foreign minister, who released together with FEPS the new book entitled 'The Trade Handbook: Making Trade Work for Prosperity, People and Planet'