A co-operative manifesto
Co-operative policy priorities for the 2014 European Parliament elections

Co-operatives create a diverse European economy, contribute to business start-ups and growth, and generate jobs and wealth. Co-operatives operate in all parts of the economy (healthcare, housing, pharmaceuticals, banking, energy, education) and come in all shapes and sizes, from micro enterprises to multinationals. Cooperatives Europe represents 160,000 businesses across Europe. They employ 5.4 million people and have 123 million members.

In 2013 the EU Parliament adopted a report recognizing the positive role of co-operatives through the economic crisis.

Cooperatives Europe’s vision of Europe:

• a Europe that focuses on a real economy, serving people’s needs rather than financial markets.
• a Europe with a resilient and innovative economy that allows a diverse range of business models to flourish.
• a Europe in which young people are equipped to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.
• a Europe with an environment that supports the start-ups.

Cooperatives Europe would like to work with MEPs to develop three concrete measures:

1. to create a supportive EU policy framework for co-operatives
2. to increase co-operative awareness amongst younger people
3. to create a co-operative roadmap to support business start-ups and growth

Together these measures can deliver important policy objectives - a more resilient economy, youth employment and create business start-ups and growth.

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