The European co-operative banks‘ leaders members of the EACB representing 3,700 banks in Europe issued the 'Paris Declaration' on June 26th 2013 calling the policy makers to pay more attention to the value and the role of cooperative banks in financing the real economy and the job creation.
PARIS DECLARATION
The co-operative model has given proof of its efficiency and contributes substantially in terms of competitiveness and stability to the European economies. Furthermore, the high level of democratic corporate governance, the pronounced social responsibility, and customer proximity are serious advantages of the co-operative model. Therefore, co- operative banks are generally deeply rooted in local economies everywhere in Europe.
- We, the leaders of the European co-operative banks, are proud of what we represent: member-owned enterprises, putting people before profit - but still efficient and successful.
- We commit ourselves to the values of co-operative banking, which we believe provide an alternative for the benefit of citizens, businesses and the whole economy.
- We fully support the EU Agenda 2020 for a “smart, sustainable, inclusive growth” and the European model of social market economy that the strategy puts forward.
- We are looking forward to keep on helping “building a better world”, as expressed by the motto of the United Nation’s International Year of Cooperatives.
- We are ready to become a bigger part of the solution of the crisis and believe that we can be a driving force to a more sustainable society and economy. Our banks are resolutely determined to continue the funding of the European economy and to meet the needs of our customers and territories in the present difficult economic context.
- We are keen to contribute to foster new thinking about the co-operative banking sector and pave the way for a better understanding of the actual and possible future role of the European co-operative banks.
Contact:
Hervé Guider, EACB General Manager, Secretariat@eurocoopbanks.coop, +32 (0) 2 230 11 24
For the full text of the declaration, please click hereor download the PDF.
To get to the EACB Press Release, please click HERE.