In October 2026, Cooperatives Europe will mark two decades of strengthening cooperativism and championing the "People First" model across the continent.
“Building on the momentum of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, this anniversary we want to celebrate all that we have managed to build together over the past years with you,” said the organisation. “We will also take this opportunity to look towards the future.”
The ICA regions were established in 1992 and became operational in 1994. In 2006, Cooperatives Europe became a separate legal entity supporting cooperative enterprises in Europe. It counts 84 member organisations from 33 European countries across all business sectors - representing a combined 163 million individual member cooperators owning 250.000 co-operative enterprises, and providing jobs to 5.4 million European citizens.
The anniversary event will include a special celebration and high-level dialogue in Brussels in the European Economic and Social Committee under the theme “Cooperatives Europe’s 20th Anniversary: What’s the Next Chapter towards Economic Democracy?”.
Alongside high-level discussions with cooperatives, EU policymakers and partners on the role of cooperatives as a strategic asset in Europe’s economy, there will also be a look back at the history of Cooperatives Europe.
The celebration will feature the presentation of the first-ever Cooperatives Europe Anniversary Awards, which will highlight cooperative achievements, and host an all-inclusive reception … with cake.
Official registration and the call for Award nominations will open in spring 2026.
