What is the need for such organizations in the countries of CEE/CIS?
While the majority of countries are benefiting from economic growth, this growth has not transformed into progress for all groups of society. Problems specific to this region include: countries facing strong core-periphery disparities; ‘working poor’ and ‘jobless growth’ phenomena; unreformed or weak social services and protection schemes; and problems of old industrialized regions (depressed urban areas) or single-factory towns. This has led to the emergence of visible of ‘losers’ of transition (‘vulnerable groups’) and an increase in inequality. Social Enterprises can provide employment opportunities and specific services to these vulnerable groups. However, they need the appropriate legal framework and other regulatory benefits as well as support from Government for them to thrive. This means that in recognition of their role in meeting social goals, they benefit from an advantage in their commercial activities (for example, through a lighter tax burden). How does SE relate to the t
