Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration to Advance Social Policy in Europe
By Delphine Chilese-Lemarinier, Head of EU Affairs, Edenred
In an increasingly interconnected Europe, the imperative for private sector actors to collaborate with public authorities has never been more critical. Effective policy design and implementation require a nuanced understanding of cultural differences, regional disparities, and socio-economic realities.
Partnering with the European Social Network (ESN) and participating in the European Social Services Awards (ESSA) offers Edenred a unique opportunity to align with impactful social change and to better understand local environments and challenges. It allows us to join a vibrant network of social service leaders and practitioners, opening doors to strategic collaborations that can amplify the social impact of our solutions.
Participation in the European Social Services Awards—the only awards dedicated to social services in Europe—further elevates our role in shaping inclusive and resilient communities. ESSA celebrates transformative initiatives that address deep-rooted social challenges. Among the ten categories featured in ESSA 2025, the Public-Private Partnership in Social Services Award stands out as a powerful platform for showcasing collaborative impact. This category specifically honours initiatives where public authorities and private-sector organisations co-create solutions that address complex social challenges.
In the face of mounting budgetary pressures across Europe—driven by ageing populations, climate transition costs, and increased defence spending—public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become essential tools for sustaining and innovating social services. With governments facing reduced fiscal space and cuts to key EU programs, PPPs offer a pragmatic solution by pooling public mandates with private sector resources, expertise, and agility. These partnerships enable the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services that might otherwise be scaled back or delayed due to funding constraints. Crucially, PPPs foster innovation and efficiency, allowing for tailored responses to local needs—whether in healthcare, education, or long-term care—while sharing risks and responsibilities between sectors. In a climate of fiscal austerity, PPPs are not just complementary—they are strategic imperatives for ensuring that social policies remain inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of European communities.
One notable example of such collaboration is the European Fund for the Most Deprived (FEAD), which supports EU member states in providing food, basic material assistance, and social inclusion measures to those most in need. While FEAD is publicly funded, the private sector can play a transformative role in amplifying its impact—particularly through the issuance of social vouchers. These vouchers, distributed in partnership with NGOs and local authorities, empower beneficiaries to access essential goods and services with dignity and choice. By leveraging private sector logistics, digital platforms, and retail networks, social vouchers enhance the efficiency and reach of aid delivery, while also stimulating local economies. This model exemplifies how targeted private sector involvement can reinforce public efforts, ensuring that support for vulnerable populations remains both effective and sustainable.
In brief, for businesses seeking to lead with purpose and to efficiently contribute to social policies in the EU, the European Social Network and the European Social Services Awards offer a powerful platform to make a lasting difference. As Europe continues to navigate economic and social transitions, this collaborative approach will be essential and impactful. It’s time for companies to step up—not just as economic actors, but as co-creators of a more equitable and culturally attuned Europe.