We strengthen local economies, support communities in adapting to change, and build long-term resilience.

News & blog

Blog
September 4, 2026
Fabiana Pompermaier

Building the Right to Stay: Why Social Economy Matters for Rural Europe

For many rural communities across Europe, this is becoming one of the defining questions of the coming years. The decision to stay is shaped by whether a place can offer the conditions for a viable and fulfilling future: decent and meaningful work, affordable housing, access to essential services, opportunities to build a livelihood or start a business, a sense of belonging and participation, and confidence that future generations can continue to thrive there.

Blog
July 20, 2026
Kristina Bayer,

Redirecting Capital for the Blue Economy: Lessons from the German Living Lab

In June, Bluedots partners and companies met in Kiel for the Living Lab and the Waterkant Festival. During these two days, our partners shifted the narrative from “how to attract more capital to the blue economy” to “what kind of capital, and in what direction. The conversations kept going back to one insight: the money for ocean protection is not missing, but rather misallocated.

News, Blog, Event insights
July 20, 2026
Luca Pastorelli, Executive President

Building Our Future Together

Europe is entering a decisive decade. Competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity are becoming central priorities, while the green and digital transitions, demographic change, and growing territorial inequalities are reshaping the economic landscape. Responding to these challenges requires economic models that combine innovation with inclusion and long-term sustainability. For Diesis Network, responding to this new reality also requires evolution. It is in this context that the network’s new Board of Directors has been elected for the next four-year mandate.

Agenda

17 Sep 2026

09:00

13:00

Good Practice Webinar by Rural Pact Support Office

Organised by the Rural Pact Support Office, this Good Practice Webinar explores how rural businesses can contribute to a more competitive and resilient Europe by improving access to finance and business support, creating greater value from territorial assets and strengthening locally rooted and collective business models.

Online

Featured projects

WB SEA

Western Balkans Youth Social Economy Alliance

WB SEA strengthens youth organisations in the Western Balkans to promote social entrepreneurship and build enabling ecosystems for youth-led social economy initiatives.

FWC SIEA

Study on the opportunities for impact investing to promotethe social and green economy in the Southern Neighbourhood

This study explores opportunities for impact investment in the social and green economy in the MENA region, supporting DG NEAR in shaping future EU initiatives and investment strategies.

VET4FOOD

VET training for food sustainability

The project promotes food sustainability in vocational education and training (VET) by strengthening teachers’ and students’ skills in sustainable practices in the food and tourism sectors.

TOUCH

Tackling outcome-based finance challenges a replication model for social economy

TOUCH develops an outcome-based financing model for the social economy by piloting an Outcome Fund in Piedmont to support NEET employment and skills development while creating a replicable social finance model for Europe.

STORYDOERS

Reinforcing rural business competitiveness by digital Storydoing in Local Tourism

The project strengthens rural tourism businesses by developing their digital storytelling skills to create authentic, sustainable, and competitive local tourism experiences.