COOPERATIVES EUROPE’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

What’s the next chapter towards economic democracy?

 

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On 15 and 16 October 2026, Cooperatives Europe will mark its 20th anniversary with a two-day event at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, bringing together cooperative members, EU institutions, academia, and partners. We want to invite you to celebrate this milestone with us! 

For twenty years, Cooperatives Europe has worked alongside its members to build a fairer and more democratic economy. Together, we have united different cooperative perspectives, national federations, sectors, and leaders to advocate for the interests of cooperatives across Europe. This collective effort has brought together diverse groups of people and communities who keep cooperative principles at the heart of their daily work. Let’s unite and celebrate!

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Details

  • Date: 15 and 16 October
  • The full event is in person only.
  • French-English interpretation will be available.
  • The main conference is open to everyone, including cooperative leaders, national organisations, policymakers, academics and anyone interested in cooperatives.
  • Locations
    • Main conference:
      • European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Rue Van Maerlant 2, Brussels (Not the main entrance but the VMA Maerlant entrance)
      • Bring a valid ID/passport to enter the building.
    • Dinner: TBC

 

Background

 

This event builds on the momentum of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. As Europe faces major economic, social, digital and environmental change, cooperatives continue to show the value of an economic model based on democratic ownership, long-term commitment and shared value. They strengthen local communities, respond to people’s needs rather than external shareholders, and give members real influence over the decisions that affect them.

Our 20th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate two decades of European cooperation while looking ahead to the role cooperatives can play in shaping Europe’s future.

On the first day, we will reflect on our shared history, celebrate collective achievements, recognise the people who made them possible, and highlight inspiring cooperative initiatives from across Europe.

On the second day, we will look forward. Through discussions with cooperative leaders, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders, we will explore how cooperatives can help shape the next chapter of Europe’s economy through economic democracy.

Our 20th anniversary therefore offers an opportunity not only to reflect on what we have learned over the past two decades, but also to discuss how cooperatives can contribute to the EU’s ambitions for a fairer, more sustainable, competitive, and strategically autonomous economy. As the primary driving force behind economic democracy, cooperatives put people at the centre and prove the model works.

The event will provide space for dialogue between the cooperative movement and decision-makers on how the cooperative model can be better recognised and supported to build the Europe of the future.

 

Programme Overview

Day 1 – Thursday, 15 October

09:00 – 12:15 — Morning: Consultation workshop #coops4dev🌍 “Building the Evidence Base for European Cooperatives” (members-only side event)

Location: To be revealed.

This members-only workshop offers you an interactive space to understand the tools and activities delivered under the ICA–EU Partnership #coops4dev🌍 and their impact for the European cooperative movement. It will also introduce the funding available to support members in developing their own advocacy materials and training, at national and European level.

The session will also offer an opportunity for members to be better informed and engaged in the two flagship activities of the FFPA: the Legal Framework Analysis and the Cooperative Data Mapping. Moreover, it will provide a setting for them to contribute their views and priorities to inform the design of future FFPA activities.

More info and register for this workshop here.

13:30 – 17:30 — Afternoon: Reflection & Celebrations

Location: EESC

We will look back at our shared history and the milestones that have defined our movement with presentations and insights from guests. The day features a look at how European collaboration has changed cooperative practice.

Award ceremony with presentations from our #coopanniversary award finalists.

19:00 – 22:30 — Evening: Dinner and drinks (members only)

Location: To be revealed.

Members are invited to join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and networking.

 

Day 2 – Friday, 16 October

09:00-13:00 — Morning: “Economic democracy: a strategic asset for Europe’s future and for cooperatives” plenary session

Location: EESC

Panel sessions: Experts and policymakers will explore “economic democracy” and the role of cooperatives in a democratic economy in the context of current and upcoming EU legislation and wider European priorities. How cooperatives can contribute to the EU’s ambitions for a fairer, more sustainable, competitive, and strategically autonomous economy.

 

Register for our main event by selecting a ticket below

Deadline for registrations is 1 October.

Register for the #coops4dev🌍 side event here.

Made possible with your support 

 A word of thanks to our sponsors: Febecoop, Banque Crédit Mutuel, Federcasse, DGRV and our hosts the European Economic and Social Committee (Civil Society Liaison Group).  

 

Our host:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our main sponsors:

 

 

 

Supporting sponsor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

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