Co-operating in Europe: co-ops and the EU

Cooperatives Europe has published research into how co-operative organisations and the EU can work more closely together. The study, titled Building Strong Development Cooperation – Partnership Opportunities between...

Cooperatives Europe has published research into how co-operative organisations and the EU can work more closely together.

The study, titled Building Strong Development Cooperation – Partnership Opportunities between Cooperatives and the EU, intends to strengthen the collaboration between co-operatives and EU institutions. It showcases development activities undertaken by co-ops and the EU, as well as existing partnerships, the challenges they face, and steps for improvement.

This document is the final publication of the 2012-2015 project Cooperatives in Development, supporting the Cooperatives Europe Development Platform (CEDP).

It provides insights into the specificities of co-ops, their contribution to inclusive development, and the assets they bring to partnerships with international institutions. It also explains the EU policies and instruments in development co-operation, and suggests ways to strengthen engagement with co-operatives.

The research was led by Cooperatives Europe and The Co-operative College supported by experts of CEDP, and in particular Coopermondo-Confcooperative, DGRV, FNCUMA and Kooperationen.

Marc Noel, co-operative development manager at Cooperatives Europe, commented: “This study shows the positive steps that have already been taken to promote partnerships between co-operatives and the EU in international development, but it also highlights current gaps, in particular at local level.

“Unlocking this potential requires actions from both sides. While the co-operative movement can support capacity building initiatives, increase visibility of its enterprise model and better disseminate partnership opportunities, the EU has the potential to strengthen the involvement of co-operatives in country-level initiatives and to engage in more regular dialogue with co-operatives and their representative organisations.”

  • Read the full report here.coops eu study
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