The power of Cooperation - Cooperatives Europe - Key statistics

The resource titled "The Power of Cooperation - Cooperatives Europe - Key Statistics" is published by Cooperatives Europe, featuring contributions from Dirk J. Lehnhoff and Klaus Niederländer. This report provides an extensive overview of cooperative statistics across Europe, emphasizing the significant role cooperatives play in the economy, particularly in sustainable housing.

Cooperatives Europe reports there are approximately 176,461 cooperative enterprises in Europe, generating an annual turnover of €1,004.83 billion. These enterprises employ about 4.7 million individuals, illustrating their vital contributions to job creation and economic stability. More than 17% of Europe's population is a member of a cooperative, indicating widespread participation in cooperative models.

Within the EU, there are around 131,090 cooperative enterprises, with an annual turnover of €992.66 billion. This sector employs over 4.36 million people, and one in five EU citizens is a member of a cooperative. Since 2009, membership has increased by 16%, showcasing a growing trend towards cooperative engagement as a sustainable economic model.

Italy, Turkey, France, and Spain lead in the number of cooperatives, with Italy hosting 39,600, Turkey 33,857, France 22,517, and Spain 20,050. These countries are pivotal in promoting cooperative principles, especially in sectors like housing and agriculture.

In terms of cooperative membership, France has the highest number with over 26 million members, followed by Germany with 22.2 million, and the Netherlands with nearly 17 million. This membership density highlights the importance of cooperatives in fostering community engagement and sustainable practices across diverse sectors.

Cooperative employment is notably high in countries like France (1.2 million employees), Italy (1.15 million), and Germany (860,000). This employment distribution underscores the cooperative model's effectiveness in providing sustainable job opportunities while contributing to local economies.

Agriculture remains a leading sector for cooperatives, accounting for over 39% of total annual turnover in Europe, primarily driven by cooperatives in France and Germany. The retail and consumer sectors also contribute significantly, indicating a robust economic framework through which cooperatives operate.

The report identifies key sectors where cooperatives thrive: - Industry & Services: 36% of cooperatives - Agriculture: 30% - Housing: 22% This sectoral distribution highlights the diverse applications of cooperatives in promoting sustainable housing solutions and economic resilience.

Housing cooperatives play a crucial role in sustainable living, providing affordable housing solutions while ensuring community involvement and shared governance. The cooperative model supports environmentally friendly practices, aligning with contemporary demands for sustainable housing solutions across Europe.

The data presented in this report is derived from contributions by national and European sector members, focusing on cooperative enterprises that are represented by Cooperatives Europe. This collaborative effort ensures the accuracy and relevance of the statistics provided, forming a comprehensive resource for policymakers and researchers interested in the cooperative movement. This report, "The Power of Cooperation," serves as a vital resource for understanding the cooperative sector's impact on sustainable housing and the broader European economy, reflecting a commitment to collaborative growth and community engagement.