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HomeStudy on State aid for access to finance for social enterprises and for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers in the form of wage subsidies
Final study
Publication metadata
This study examines the application and impact of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) in supporting social enterprises (SEs) and the recruitment of disadvantaged workers across European Union (EU) Member States (MS). Findings reveal that national authorities often prefer alternative funding sources over GBER, citing reasons such as low awareness of State aid rules, the complexity of the GBER, and administrative challenges. SEs face barriers to accessing finance, including limited legal status recognition and complex regulatory environments. SEs rely heavily on de minimis State aid schemes, but this may impede their growth. State aid rules for access to finance, particularly relating to age limits and private investment requirements, may pose hurdles for SEs' financial access. Services of General Economic Interest (SGEIs) are underutilized by SEs, one reason reported being the difficulty in formulating public service obligations by public authorities. Addressing these barriers requires simplifying State aid rules, enhancing awareness, and creating supportive regulatory frameworks tailored to SEs' needs. Additionally, efforts to improve access to finance should prioritize reducing complexity and fostering an environment conducive to both SMEs and SEs. As regards to disadvantaged workers, there are support schemes in all the countries surveyed, both within and outside the social economy. In most countries, the support does not constitute State aid in the view of the national authorities or falls under de minimis ceilings. The GBER rules could however be improved by an extension of the list of disadvantaged workers and of the timeframe for the recruitment of disadvantaged workers (to 24 months) and severely disadvantaged workers (to 36 months).
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission)
- Themes: Enterprise policy , Social problems
- Subject: aid to undertakings , pay , recruitment , reimbursement of aid , report , small and medium-sized enterprises , social economy , social services , State aid , worker with disabilities
ISBN
978-92-68-14292-9
DOI
10.2767/715592
Catalogue number
KE-09-24-182-EN-N
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| ISSN | ISBN 978-92-68-14292-9 | DOI 10.2767/715592 | Catalogue number KE-09-24-182-EN-N |
- Released on EU publications website:
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