European Parliament says co-operatives have a vital role to play in the EU’s 2020 strategy

On 13th March 2012, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Statute for a European Cooperative Society with regard to the involvement of employees. In his press release, the rapporteur , Mr Sven Giegold stated that “Cooperatives also have a vital role to play in delivering the EU’s 2020 strategy, notably in the areas of social cohesion, climate protection and sustainable management. Improving the European Co-operative Statute would help ensure we maximise the potential of the sector. This means adapting the statute further to the needs of the members of cooperatives and their employees.” The report, after reminding the co-operatives in the European Union context, presented some proposals on the future of the statute.

Cooperatives Europe welcomes this report, which took very much account of Cooperatives Europe’s specific comments and considerations. According to Klaus Niederländer, Director of Cooperatives Europe, this parliamentary report will be a milestone in the revision of the Regulation of European Co-operative Society.  As a next step Cooperatives Europe will discuss the political dimension of this revision during its jointconference with the EU Commission on 23rd April 2012.