The Young European Cooperators Network brings together young cooperators aged 18 to 39 from across Europe. Since September 2026, the YECN is the Youth Committee of Cooperatives Europe.
Cooperatives are built to last across generations, and their future depends on the young people who will run them. Together with the YECN, Cooperatives Europe is committed to:
Supporting young people who want to start, join or grow a cooperative.
Advancing democratic cooperative practices that place the interests of young people at their centre.
Preparing young people to take on responsibility and leadership, so cooperatives can renew themselves from one generation to the next.
Strengthening the links between young cooperators and the established movement.
The YECN is founded, with the support of Cooperatives Europe.
The Cooperatives Europe General Assembly and youth summit in Cardiff, dedicated to youth, relaunches the network.
The first YECN General Assembly in Porto, co-organised with Cooperatives Europe, adopts the network's Terms of Reference.
The YECN becomes the Youth Committee of Cooperatives Europe.
Find out how to become a member, meet the Steering Committee and see upcoming activities on the YECN website.
