Facts and Figures of the Cooperatives (Focus on Germany)

The resource titled "Facts and Figures of the Cooperatives (Focus on Germany)" is published by DGRV, the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Association. This document highlights the significance of cooperatives in achieving the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizes their role in promoting sustainable housing and community development.

The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, aiming to spotlight the global importance of cooperatives in addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Cooperatives serve as a solution by fostering regional entrepreneurship, providing access to markets, and combating social exclusion. They are crucial in promoting sustainable economic activities and the effective use of natural resources.

Housing cooperatives are vital in providing affordable housing, particularly in urban areas. They not only ensure social justice by offering secure living conditions but also contribute to sustainability through extensive modernization of existing buildings. In 2024, housing cooperatives invested €1.7 billion in new construction projects, significantly aiding in combating housing shortages in cities. With 2.9 million members and 24,000 employees, they manage approximately 2.2 million cooperative apartments.

Cooperatives operate on principles of partnership, solidarity, and democratic governance, where each member has an equal vote. This democratic structure fosters community engagement and trust, enabling cooperatives to effectively address the needs of their members. The cooperative model prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits, positioning cooperatives as champions of economic and social development.

In Germany alone, there are about 7,000 cooperatives, with 22 million members and 1 million employees contributing to various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and housing. Cooperative banks, for example, provide essential financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises, while agricultural cooperatives play a key role in ensuring food security and preventing hunger. This interconnectedness highlights the critical role of cooperatives in enhancing regional economic stability.

Energy cooperatives are actively involved in the energy transition, providing members with affordable and clean energy. With around 998 energy cooperatives and a turnover of €2.1 billion, they focus on renewable energy projects, ensuring a sustainable supply of electricity. These cooperatives not only promote environmental consciousness but also facilitate community participation in energy governance.

Consumer cooperatives emphasize socially responsible behavior by promoting transparency in supply chains and encouraging sustainable consumption among their members. With approximately 540 consumer cooperatives and 300,000 members, they generate a turnover of €1 billion, underscoring the importance of cooperatives in fostering responsible consumer habits.

Cooperatives are not just a local phenomenon; they are a global movement with over 3 million cooperatives worldwide, serving approximately 1 billion members. They play a critical role in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture, thereby enhancing the quality of life for communities around the world. As the International Year of Cooperatives approaches, understanding their contributions to sustainable housing and development becomes increasingly relevant for a pan-European audience.