News and Views

  • EU lawmakers accused of pushing ‘Trumpist agenda’ as they vote to curb sustainability laws with far-right support

    Campaigners say EU is “moving in reverse” after radical proposal to further limit the reach of flagship corporate sustainability regulations passes key vote in Parliament thanks to support from far-right parties vowing to “stop the Green Deal”.

  • How to build an ‘impact city’: insights from a decade in the Hague

    As the Dutch city of the Hague celebrates 10 years as a self-appointed ‘impact city’ – supporting startups working to make a positive difference – Coos Santing tells us what’s working, what’s not, and why rivalry with other urban centres is softening.

  • UK’s new Office for the Impact Economy will ‘unlock billions’, promises government

    Government says new ‘central point of contact’ for impact economy recognises the ‘untapped potential’ of the country’s social impact sector, while the movement welcomes ‘joined up’ support. 

  • Aquaponics, stingless bees and edible flowers: Malaysian Indigenous communities share stories of innovation

    Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025. 

  • Ukraine among top countries for climate blended finance deals for the first time

    Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.

The Impact World this Week: 31 May 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: A new fund sets out to help Asia’s underserved communities in the AI job race and
diverse social entrepreneurs face major barriers to access funding in Scotland.

 Nicolas Schmit looking at his watch

The Editor's Post: Waiting for EU

It's the EU Parliament's turn in the 2024 elections series. With the far-right on the rise, supporters of the impact economy will be waiting for the result with anguish. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

The Impact World this Week: 24 May 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: The social enterprise community pays tribute to David LePage, a new report highlights the value of social value and a strategy to mobilise £1tn of impact capital is launched.