Young European Cooperators Network Held Historic General Assembly in Porto

Young European Cooperators Network Held Historic General Assembly in Porto

Between 5 and 7 November, the Young European Cooperators Network (YECN) held its General Assembly in Porto. The meeting marked a historic moment, formalising the network ten years after its inception and three years after its relaunch in Cardiff.

Hosted by CASES (Cooperativa António Sérgio para a Economia Social), co-organised with Cooperatives Europe, and supported by the City Council of Porto, the gathering was held in collaboration with Cooperativa Povo Portuense, Alternâcina, and other local cooperatives.

More than 35 young people from 14 European countries, representing 17 nationalities, came together to celebrate the energy and commitment of a new generation of cooperators dedicated to building a fairer and more sustainable future while addressing challenges such as generational renewal and youth inclusion in the cooperative movement.

The opening institutional session featured remarks from Eduardo Graça, President of CASES, Cooperatives Europe Board Member Mariam Gabrielyan, and a video message by Giuseppe Guerini, President of Cooperatives Europe. Their presence highlighted the strong support of both the cooperative movement and local authorities for youth engagement and intergenerational renewal.

“The event is an opportunity to use the YECN as a bridge to connect with existing experience, but also to provide innovative new ideas and spirit. We come from different backgrounds and cultures, but I believe, because we are all here, that we share a set of common values: cooperation and belief in the cooperative model,” said Mariam Gabrielyan, Board Member of Cooperatives Europe.

Participants unanimously approved the YECN Terms of Reference, marking a key step in the network’s consolidation. This decision paves the way for the election of the first Steering Committee and the development of joint projects under the YECN framework. The Assembly strengthened connections, sparked new collaborations, and provided an open and safe space for dialogue and shared visions for the years ahead.

In addition to the formal sessions, participants visited inspiring Portuguese cooperatives such as Cooperativa Povo Portuense, CerciGaia, and Maiêutica, showcasing the strength and diversity of the cooperative model in Portugal.

“This is truly a historic moment for the YECN. Over the past few years, we have worked side by side to bring this network to life, and seeing it formalised today is both emotional and inspiring. It shows what young cooperators can achieve wh

en we collaborate with trust, creativity, and a shared belief in the cooperative model,” said Anna Loscalzo, President of the Young European Cooperators Network (YECN).

In the coming year, the newly formed network will work to develop activities, delegate roles and responsibilities, and consolidate its membership base.

You can find images from this event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCAmv3

##################

About the Young European Cooperators Network (YECN)

The YECN is an open network connecting young cooperators under the age of 40 from across Europe. It aims to strengthen youth participation in the cooperative movement, create learning and exchange opportunities, and promote cooperation as a democratic and sustainable model of enterprise. The YECN works in close collaboration with Cooperatives Europe the European region of the ICA, and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

Contact email: [email protected]

Find all YECN links here at https://linktr.ee/yecn