Cooperatives Europe

Cooperatives Europe – the European region of the International Co-operative Alliance – is the European cross-sectoral organization representing co-operative enterprises. On behalf of its 90 member organizations from 34 European countries across all business sectors, it promotes the co-operative business model in Europe. Its members represent 123 million individual member co-operators owning 160,000 co-operative enterprises and providing jobs to 5.4 million European citizens – a force for economic growth and social change.

More information: www.coopseurope.coop

Klaus Niederländer

Klaus was appointed Director of Cooperatives Europe and Regional Director of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 2010. One of his key roles is to promote the co-operative business model in new sectors, such as renewable energy. Klaus comes to the co-operative movement with a professional background in enterprise and general economic development. He gained experience as a financial analyst, management consultant and SME programme managaner in his previous jobs in Europe, the US and Africa.

“For myself and co-operatives across Europe, REScoop 20-20-20 offers a unique opportunity to bring together, understand, collaborate with, and promote the increasingly important role of renewable energy co-operatives. We are honoured to be part of such a dedicated, dynamic and energetic group of project partners.”

Mirko Nodari

Mirko graduated in International Communications from the University of Brescia in Italy. A native Italian speaker, Mirko also speaks French, English and German. Mirko joined Cooperatives Europe in 2008 and became Communications Officer in 2010. As Communications Officer, he plays a pivotal role in all of Cooperatives Europe’s activities, including Cooperatives Europe’s Energy and Environment Working Group.

“I am really pleased to see this level of collaboration and joint working amongst renewable energy co-operatives across Europe, and I am very happy to be part of this great group of project partners.”

Marc Noel 

Marc is Cooperatives Europe’s Cooperative Development Manager. He joined the organisation in October 2006 after having gained his Master’s Degree in Commercial Engineering and a Post-Master in Development and Sociology. He speaks German, French, English, Dutch and Spanish. Marc has a wide range of experience in managing projects across Europe and is delighted to be involved in the RESCoop project.

“As the serious issues surrounding sustainable energy grow ever more important, I am very happy to be part of the co-operative movement that is trying to find solutions to the big question of renewable energy production for the future. I am delighted to be part of this project team of dedicated co-operators from across Europe, making a sustainable redistribution of resources and inclusive control structures possible.“