The EmpoweerNEET project contributed to the regional dialogue on inclusive entrepreneurship and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) during the Civil Society Consultations on the Implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, held in Brussels on 23 July 2026.
The Tunisian Center for Social Entrepreneurship (TCSE), a partner in the EmpoweerNEET project, participated in the Civil Society Consultations on the Implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed).
The consultations brought together civil society organisations, social economy actors, and regional stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to exchange experiences and discuss practical approaches for promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, decent job creation, and sustainable economic development.
Sharing EmpoweerNEET Experience
Representing TCSE, Yasmin Falfoul, Project Manager, served as rapporteur for the Focus Group on Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Social Economy and Decent Job Creation under the StartUp4Med initiative.
During the discussions, she shared insights drawn from TCSE’s work in Tunisia, including the implementation of the EmpoweerNEET project. These contributions highlighted the importance of equipping young people who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs) with practical skills, entrepreneurial competencies, and opportunities to engage in the Social and Solidarity Economy.
Strengthening Inclusive Economic Ecosystems
Participants agreed that inclusive entrepreneurship requires more than individual projects or short-term interventions. Instead, sustainable impact depends on strong local ecosystems that combine supportive public policies, accessible finance, market opportunities, skills development, trusted local organisations, and long-term mentoring.
Furthermore, the discussions reinforced the importance of cooperation between civil society, public institutions, and development partners in creating lasting opportunities for young people and strengthening inclusive economic growth across the Mediterranean region.
Advancing the EmpoweerNEET Mission
TCSE’s participation provided an opportunity to connect the experiences and lessons learned through EmpoweerNEET with broader regional policy discussions. It also strengthened collaboration with Mediterranean stakeholders working to advance social entrepreneurship, youth inclusion, and decent employment opportunities.
These exchanges support the project’s objective of promoting innovative, community-driven solutions that empower NEETs while contributing to more resilient and inclusive local economies.
About EmpoweerNEET
EmpoweerNEET brings together partners from Palestine, Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia, and France to empower young people who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs). Through capacity-building, mentoring, and practical learning experiences, the project promotes employability, entrepreneurship, and the Social and Solidarity Economy across the Mediterranean.
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, which promotes cooperation for a smarter, greener, more inclusive, and better-governed Mediterranean region.
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