Members of the Epaka Association will take part in the  celebration of the 20th anniversary of Cooperatives Europe, which will be held under the title “What is the next chapter on the road to economic democracy?”. The event represents a great opportunity to connect with cooperatives from more than 21 European countries and to reflect in depth on the future of the cooperative model and economic democracy in Europe.

The first day will be dedicated to reflection and celebration in the VMA 23 hall at the EESC. Participants will be introduced by the President of Cooperatives Europe, Giuseppe Guerin, and the Director, Agnes Mathis, who will present a view of the history of the organization. Members will share their practical experience of European cooperation, and there will also be a presentation of the six finalists for the Anniversary Awards in the categories of Cooperative Governance and Social Impact, where the winners will be chosen by the votes of the audience.

The second day will focus on economic democracy as a strategic asset for the future of Europe. The keynote speakers will be the President of the Jacques Delors Institute, Enrico Letta, and the Deputy Director-General of DG GROW, Valère Moutarlier. Professor Andrew Cumbers from the University of Glasgow will present a study on building economic democracy, followed by thematic panels on energy, agriculture, social economy and public spending with international experts and video addresses.