European Consumer Cooperatives publish memorandum for the European Elections

Download the memorandum here

The EU faces a major challenge in providing a future of sustainable growth of economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Present development must not undermine the future of next generations. A major role in taking up this challenge is played by consumer cooperatives. Owned and governed by consumer-members, they form an engaged movement in its own right.Consumer cooperatives create growth by providing safe and quality food at affordable prices. What is on their shelves has been sourced and distributed sustainably and fairly, with respect for the environment and suppliers’ position.

Brussels, Wednesday, May 07, 2014 – In its memorandum for the European Elections, Euro Coop, the Community of European Consumer Cooperatives, lists its policy asks:

1. Recognize consumer cooperatives as drivers of sustainability;
2. Promote a strong and balanced consumer policy, where consumers feel protected, safe, and confident;
3. Establish a Common EU Food Policy with a comprehensive approach to health and agriculture, setting the global standards and leading by example;
4. Build a EU food system able to tackle the challenge of sustainable growth;
5. Engage consumers towards sustainable consumption patterns;
6. Foster the creation and development of consumer cooperatives by applying policies to support their activity and specific business model (e.g. retail, competition, funding policies).

Cooperatives recognized essential for the EU

The European Parliament recognizes cooperatives to “play an essential role in the European economy, especially in time of crisis, by combining profitability with solidarity, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening social, economic and regional cohesion and generating social capital” . In contrast to investor owned companies, cooperatives exist to serve their members. In the case of consumer cooperatives those members are consumers who shop at the local cooperative supermarket or store because they value the ethical code of operation specific to cooperatives. (see document E.P) 

How consumer cooperatives engage consumers for sustainable growth

Todor Ivanov, Secretary-General of Euro Coop: “Consumer cooperatives are Europe’s second biggest retail force. This puts them in a strategic position to promote and improve good practice in the food supply chain. Consumer cooperatives ensure that consumers and producers get a fair deal and that business is done with a long-term vision on profitability. Stemming from their values, consumer cooperatives have a strong focus on social responsibility. Hence, while emphasis is placed on satisfying the needs and expectations of the members, consumer cooperatives favor a sustainable approach towards the activities of production and distribution. They take into account the sustainable development of local communities, environmental concerns and the health and safety of consumers.”

Euro Coop's members employ over 450.000 in Europe. Special attention is paid to employees’ personal involvement and development. Euro Coop represents and upholds the structure and ethics of the consumer cooperative enterprise at European level. This activity is achieved in particular, by its advocacy work towards the European Union and its proactive collaboration with Cooperatives Europe and other stakeholders.