Sustainable economies due diligence: good examples and the role of social dialogue
About SEDLEX
Corporate sustainability is an increasingly important issue for companies in all EU member states and candidate countries as they seek to balance economic results with social and environmental responsibility. Social economy organisations are already one step ahead in trying to balance economic and social (and environmental and democratic governance) dimensions of their activities.
As stated in the European Commission proposal on strengthening social dialogue in the European Union (January 2023), social dialogue is a key driver for economic and social resilience, competitiveness, fairness and sustainable growth.
The research activities of the SEDLEX project then examines how social economy organisations use social dialogue in the management of their value driven business models.
Latest news
European Peer Learning Event (Bologna, 14.05.2025)
The second European peer learning event of the SEDLEX project took place in Bologna on 14 May 2025.
The event brought together over 30 participants from more than 7 countries, both online and in person, to discuss how cooperatives and social economy enterprises are adapting to new EU sustainability regulations, particularly the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
The day featured contributions from cooperative leaders, researchers, and EU policy officers, highlighting national experiences from Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. Case studies presented by cooperatives such as Eroski, Cajamar, UpCoop, CNS, and Coop Alleanza 3.0 illustrated innovative strategies and challenges in embedding sustainability across value chains.
A key conclusion of the event was that sustainability must be seen not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a core element of cooperative identity. Participants emphasized the need for strong data, transparent governance, and inclusive dialogue to make sustainability a long-term strategic commitment rather than a passing trend.
The event reaffirmed the cooperative model’s unique role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable European economy.
The event materials are available to download:
- Agenda
- Summary
- Presentation of Samuel Barco – Spain
- Presentation of Anne Guisset – Netherlands
- Presentation of Hans-Gerd Nottenbohm – Germany
- Presentation of Ignacio Atance Muniz – Cajamar
- Presentation of Laurène Thil – France
- Presentation of Aicha Belassir Khayati – Spain
- Presentation of Joël Le Déroff – DG EMPL
SEDLEX European Peer Learning Event!
14 May 2025 | Bologna, Italy
The next SEDLEX event will take place in Bologna as a full-day, in-person peer learning forum focused on how cooperatives and social economy actors are shaping corporate sustainability across Europe.
Bringing together stakeholders from France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the event offers a unique opportunity to exchange practical insights, explore real-world examples, and discuss the latest policy developments around due diligence, CSR, and the twin transition.
SEDLEX – local events in the target countries
Explore. Exchange. Evolve.
Join us for dynamic local / peer learning events designed to bring together national and sectoral project partners with local stakeholders to exchange insights and best practices on the project’s key topics such as:
- Due Diligence
- Sustainability & CSR
- Twin Transition
- Project Highlights & Outcome
This interactive gathering offers a valuable opportunity to learn from each other, share successful practices, and identify areas for improvement in a collaborative setting.
For Who:
- Representatives from project partner organisations and their local affiliates
- A balanced mix of mainstream and social economy actors
- Maximum 20 participants to ensure meaningful dialogue
Local partners and representatives from our target groups are warmly invited to take part and contribute to this inspiring peer learning experience.
Dates and details:
- Local event in Italy (in person)
- 11 April 2025 – Bologna. Find agenda and summary (coming soon)
- Local event in the Netherlands (online)
- 16 May 2025 – Find agenda and summary here
- Local event in France (online)
- 28 May 2025 – Find agenda and summary here
- Local event in Germany (in person)
- summer 2025. TBC agenda and summary (coming soon)
- Local event in Spain (in person)
- summer 2025. TBC agenda and summary (coming soon)
The First SEDLEX Newsletter is Here!
Dive into the inaugural edition of the SEDLEX newsletter and explore key highlights from past activities, upcoming plans, and all the exciting opportunities the project has to offer.
- Read it here.
First European event (Frankfurt, 11.06.2024)
One of the conclusion made that it is important to address a common narrative “bug”: the social economy is often seen merely as a reparation business model, aimed at fixing the damages caused by mainstream business practices. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that the social economy has the capacity and potential to be a real, viable alternative to mainstream business models. The recent European Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into business operations. Large companies are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, demonstrating how social economy principles can be embedded in corporate strategies, driving long-term positive impacts.
- Agenda
- Summary
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Presentation of Laurène Thil – research
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Presentation of Todor Ivanov – Euro Coop
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Presentation of Ignace Pollet – the Netherlands
- Presentation of Laurène Thil – France
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Presentation of Pina Sodano – Italy
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Presentation of Samuel Barco – Spain
Launch Event (Brussels, 31.01.2024)
On the 31st of January, 2024 the SEDLEX project officially started with a partners-only kick-off meeting, hosted by the Brussels office of Legacoop and Confcooperative. The kick-off meeting has been followed by a public Launch Event on the 31st of January at the premises of Les Ateliers des Tanneurs. The public Launch Event took place with the involvement of 13 people, including invited guests and speakers from DG Grow and Cecop-Cicopa. All co-partner organisations – DIESIS Network (Belgium), KU Leuven (Belgium) and innova eG (Germany) were represented. The event was chaired by Melinda Kelemen (Project Manager, Diesis Network).
The event materials are available to download:
- Agenda
- Summary
- Presentation of Giuseppe Guerini
- Presentation of Michael Ristaniemi
- Presentation of Melinda Kelemen
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Presentation of Laurène Thil – research
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Presentation of Ignace Pollet – the Netherlands
- Presentation of Laurène Thil – France
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Presentation of Pina Sodano – Italy
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Presentation of Hans-Gerd Nottenbohm – Germany
Implementation period
01/11/2023 – 31/10/2025
Target countries
The target countries are France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain.
SEDLEX research is primarily but not exclusively focusing on three sectors: financial services, wholesale and retail trade as well as agriculture and food industries in these countries.
Expected outputs
The main outputs of the research activities of the SEDLEX project will be:
5
country background studies
15
case studies
1
comparative final research report including best practices
The project events and peer-learning activities also provide opportunities for best practices and processes exchange amongst large mainstream and social economy organisations.
The project and its partners are committed to the principles enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and to contribute to the Pillar’s implementation.
Partnership
Coordinator
Co-partners
Associated partners
Find us
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project number 101126464
Contact us
+32.2.543.10.43
diesis@diesis.coop