Cooperatives Europe has launched a co-operative call for action to unlock the potential for a wider co-operative economy across Europe.
A regional organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance, Cooperatives Europerepresents 141 million individual member co-operators co-owning 176,000 co-operative enterprises and providing jobs for 4.7 million European citizens.
The call for action highlights that co-operative enterprises reinforce European values, drive sustainable development and showcase a successful business model.
Cooperatives Europe suggests seven key steps to drive a new model of wealth creation: the Cooperative Economy, including ensuring a level playing field for all forms of enterprises, access to finance, action to advance Energy Transition, financing for sustainable food and farming, development of an inclusive industrial policy, a Framework for Self-Employed and Freelancer Cooperatives and Global Development Cooperation.
On this basis, the European co-operative movement is requesting a meeting with the European Commission and its President Jean-Claude Juncker to discuss the Call to Action and the benefits of a Co-operative Economy as a bridge between European citizens and the Single Market.
The Call to Action has been backed by members and partners across the co-operative sector and Social Economy, with a social media campaign #CloserEurope with #coops reaching 700,000 people in the first hours.
Jean-Louis Bancel, President of Cooperatives Europe, commented: “Though Europe is facing important global challenges, it cannot give way to the anti-European sentiment and erosion of the Union. What we need is more Europe that is built with, and for the citizens. Cooperatives are the relevant partners to bring Europe closer to the people, and shape their vision of the Future of Europe. We look forward to working with the European institutions to achieve this.”
