The webinar was part of a series of online events, "Democracy at Work: Social Economy actors bringing EU values to citizens", organised by Social Economy Europe, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.

To discuss the topic of reindustrialisation, speakers from various sectors, such as industry, energy, digital, tourism, and ethical finance were invited, accompanied by introductory remarks from Michael Damianos, the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus.

On behalf of the industry sector, CECOP Secretary General Diana Dovgan underlined that cooperatives are living proof that competitiveness can be combined with social inclusion and environmental sustainability, but their contributions must be acknowledged via:

  • the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), where we call on the EU to thoroughly embed cooperatives and recognise them as key partners. In particular, the ECF InvestEU instrument must continue the work of the InvestEU Fund, a crucial instrument supporting cooperatives, including in terms of their creation and for funding workers buyouts.
  • promoting workers buyouts, which is a powerful tool against deindustrialisation, ensuring that businesses at risk of closure remain in the local territory, preserving jobs, know-how and skills in the process. An instrument for maintaining European manufacturing leadership, keeping economic value inside the EU, workers buyouts must become key in the reindustrialisation agenda of the EU.
  • the Industrial Accelerator Act, which is well-positioned to contribute to decarbonisation, but its target sectors must be expanded. Decarbonisation is not only a climate imperative, but it is also a matter of economic resilience and competitiveness.
  • the "Made in EU" concept, which, besides strengthening economic security, should serve as a vehicle to advance the EU's social and environmental objectives - with the help of cooperatives.

    "Adhering to the cooperative principles and values is not a disadvantage in today's industrial landscape. To successfully fight deindustrialisation and increase European competitiveness, industrial cooperatives' contributions must be supported and recognised." – Diana Dovgan, Secretary General of CECOP

 

As the EU is facing a turning point amidst geopolitical shifts and mounting societal challenges, CECOP is reminding the EU of the solutions we can offer. Cooperatives can show the way for the EU on increasing its competitiveness and reindustrialising Europe, while preserving Union values, tackling the twin transitions and addressing skills gaps – the EU only has to support us.