This study explores the social enterprise phenomenon in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Despite recording rapid economic growth, these countries are afflicted by pockets of poverty, severe inequality and social exclusion.

The study focuses on the following countries: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia (new EU member states); Macedonia and Serbia (the Balkans); and Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine (CIS countries). The objective of the study is to identify the development paths of social enterprises in CEE and CIS countries.

Also included is an overview of specific legal frameworks for social enterprises in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Lithuania.