Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.

The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.

The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.

Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.