A cooperative blueprint for Europe

Cooperatives Europe promotes the cooperative business model in Europe, on behalf of its 84 member organisations from 33 European countries across all business sectors. Cooperatives Europe is the European regional office of the International Co-operative Alliance and acts for cooperative enterprises in Europe.

The cooperative manifesto starts off with a cooperative vision for Europe :

The power of cooperation : Cooperatives are people-centered businesses that put the power back into the hands of the citizens. They are collectively owned and democratically governed by their members (consumers, producers, employees, or local communities) who have an equal say in business management and the way the profits are shared.

Cooperatives at the heart of inclusive innovation : With citizens’ ownership and empowerment at the core of their DNA, cooperatives are championing inclusiveness and social cohesion in their communities.

A vehicle for sustainable development and prosperity : Cooperatives play an active role in reinforcing the social and economic fabric of Europe and its immediate neighbours like Turkey, Ukraine, Armenia and Moldova. In times of crisis, they prove to be particularly resilient and helpful in rebuilding local areas through cooperation, solidarity, and good governance.

The European cooperative movement’s umbrella manifesto made in collaboration with its members outlines 7 key priorities for the upcoming EU term:

1. Decent Work and Citizen’s Empowerment

2. Competitiveness and resilience

3. European Pillar of Social Rights

4. Youth Entrepreneurship

5. Investments in the Twin Transition

6. Democracy and Sustainable Development in the European Neighbourhood Policy

7. Cooperative Network in the European Parliament