Memorandum
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For the European Elections 2009

Euro Coop is the European community of consumer cooperatives. Its Secretariat is based in Brussels. Its members are the national organisations of consumer cooperatives in 19 European countries. Created in 1957, Euro Coop today represents over 3,200 local or regional cooperatives whose members amount to more than 25 million consumers, with a retail activity of more than € 70 billion turnover, 300.000 employees and 30.000 outlet stores across Europe.

The financial crisis which developed into an economic recession shows the limits and shortcomings of an economic approach based only on the maximisation of profit. Our vision of Europe is different.

First, it has to be a Europe for and by the citizens. It is fundamental to bridge the gap between the European Union and its citizens. In that sense, Europe should be built by Member's States, institutions and citizens. Citizens must be listened to not only through the representative democracy but also through organised civil society.

Secondly, Europe must enable the development of an economic democracy where the decision making process is not composed only by a minority of shareholders.

Thirdly, Europe must be economically competitive but driven by a value-based economy and not only by the market. The European Union should promote ethical business, initiatives aiming to tackle exclusion and include principles of sustainable development in its different policies.

A guarantee of a minimum level of protection to everyone working and living in the EU, the possibility of more and better jobs and a sustainable consumption model must be a priority for the European Institutions.

Cooperative societies are the type of enterprises that are best placed to deliver these results.

More information:Consumer Cooperatives

ENTERPRISES POLICY AND FOOD RETAIL MARKET - - -

The European Union must ensure a level playing field for all types of enterprises, including consumer co-operatives. National and European specific legal regimes for cooperative societies, where they exist, must be taken into consideration and respected when formulating policies.

The food retail market should be transparent and wisely regulated to prevent unfair competition and/or abuses from any market players in the whole supply chain. Attention should be given to prevent speculation in food markets and allow consumers access to quality and affordable food products. Consumer co-operatives are well placed to guarantee these conditions for consumers and therefore their activity should be promoted and stimulated.

More information: [Enterprises Policy]

FOOD POLICY - - -

Consumer cooperatives believe that food policy must be based on the principles of quality, affordability, safety and information to consumers.

Labelling is an important tool to provide consumers with information regarding food products regarding not only their characteristics but also other aspects such as nutrition information and sustainability criteria. The EU institutions should ensure a balanced and coherent labelling policy for food products.

Other issues such as the use of new technologies in food and feed, nanotechnologies, "novel foods" and cloning of animals for food purposes, have to remain top priorities in the agenda of the new Parliament.

Consumer cooperatives are since long involved in raising awareness and promoting education for balanced lifestyles. The fight against obesity should stay a high priority for legislators and Euro Coop calls for a careful approach to the setting of nutrient profiles.

More information: Food Policy

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ETHICAL POLICY - - -

Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century and it will remain so despite the financial and economic crisis. The EU has a fundamental role, domestically and globally, in ensuring that global warming remains below the 2 degrees Celsius in comparison to pre-industrial levels. The involvement of all stakeholders is crucial and consumer cooperatives will take up the challenge with concrete commitments and actions to help reach this objective. A special attention must also be given to the EU's energy policy.

Sustainable consumption and production is an important concept to be developed in the coming years. Consumer cooperatives, by nature, act responsibly in the markets according to values and principles and can be major partners in the implementation of a sustainable consumption and production strategy.

Ethical and environmental concerns are at the heart of consumer cooperatives' work. Issues such as Fair Trade, organic farming and others should be a top priority for the EU in the coming years.

More information: [Environmental and Ethical Policy]

CONSUMER POLICY

The EU should promote a policy that enables consumer to be protected, safe and confident. The establishment of an EU framework for consumer rights, taking into account existing national legal provisions should a priority for the upcoming Parliament. Also, consumers must be able to exercise their rights in an effective, quick and simple way and therefore the issue of redress, in particular collective redress, still needs to be improved at the European level.

Consumer cooperatives are consumer-based organizations and fully support a strong and balanced consumer policy.

More information: [Consumer Policy]

Euro Coop believes that the European Parliament has a strong role to play in the definition and orientation of EU policies in the fields that have been outlined.

The 2009 elections for the European Parliament are an opportunity to move forward towards a more ethical and value-based European society.

Euro Coop invites all political parties and elected Members of the European Parliament to build a strong partnership with civil society and, in particular, with consumer co-operatives, to achieve these goals.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Rodrigo Gouveia
Secretary-General
E-mail: rgouveiaateurocoop.coop