The Spanish Congress of Deputies has approved the Comprehensive Law to Promote the Social Economy, a legislative framework designed to update and strengthen the sector in Spain. The law has been developed with the participation and agreement of key stakeholders and aims to reinforce the role of this economic model within the national productive system while expanding social and labor rights.

During the parliamentary debate, Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy Yolanda Díaz emphasized the importance of the legislation as part of a broader strategy focused on people-centered economic development, decent work, and the general interest. The law reflects a collaborative process involving cooperatives, social enterprises, special employment centers, and other representative organizations.

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The new regulation introduces amendments to the main legal frameworks governing the sector, including cooperative law, the legal regime for social integration enterprises, the Social Economy Law, and the fiscal regime applicable to cooperatives. One of its core objectives is to modernize these entities by adapting their internal operations to digital environments and enhancing participation through technological tools.

The law promotes innovative models such as housing cooperatives based on use rights, which are now formally recognized under specific conditions as specially protected entities. It also supports initiatives related to energy communities and fair trade, broadening the scope of the sector.

In terms of equality, the legislation requires the implementation of equality plans within cooperatives, strengthens work-life balance measures, and promotes balanced gender representation in governing bodies. It also establishes safeguards against misuse of cooperative structures, aiming to protect their foundational principles.

Regarding social integration enterprises, the law updates their operational framework to improve effectiveness in integrating vulnerable individuals into the labor market. It restructures integration pathways to align with the goal of transitioning towards stable, open-market employment.

Additionally, the law expands reserved public procurement opportunities for Social Economy entities, increasing access for social integration enterprises and special employment centers.

The Social Economy in Spain represents a significant part of the productive system, comprising over 127,000 entities and more than 2.25 million direct and indirect jobs. Its contribution accounts for 11.1% of GDP between 2019 and 2023, positioning it as a key model for sustainable growth, territorial cohesion, and social equity.