Youth

Cooperatives in Europe create over 5 million jobs in Europe, and a significant share of those are held by young people (under 35 years old). While this number is noteworthy, it highlights concerns about how young people are integrated into the movement, the pace of intergenerational change, and the barriers young entrepreneurs face.

Young people bring fresh ideas, energy, and new perspectives that are vital for keeping the cooperative movement relevant, innovative, and sustainable. However, they face significant challenges such as limited access to resources, a lack of awareness about the cooperative model, and credibility issues. Overcoming these obstacles is critical not just to ensure inclusion but to nurture the next generation of cooperative leaders. Bringing forward new leaders who can drive the cooperative movement forward is essential for its future success and resilience.

Cooperatives Europe recognises that dedicated support for young cooperators is key to this effort. Youth has become a core part of Cooperatives Europe’s strategy, which highlights successful youth-led cooperatives and showcases the leadership potential and impact of young people in the sector.

One of our key actions is supporting the Young European Cooperators Network, an informal network of cooperators under 40 from across Europe. The network fosters knowledge exchange, shares best practices, and works to develop the leadership and opportunities of young people in the cooperative space.

Cooperatives Europe is also part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), an EU Commission initiative. Through YEPA, we contribute to improving youth entrepreneurship policies across Europe by raising awareness of the challenges young entrepreneurs face and facilitating dialogue between experts, policymakers, and young entrepreneurs. This engagement is part of our broader goal to cultivate new leaders who can shape the cooperative movement’s future.