The European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) held its 57th General Assembly in Almería, graciously hosted by the Cajamar Cooperative Group and its President, Bernabé Sánchez Minguet. More than thirty representatives from cooperative banking associations across Europe gathered to address key strategic issues for the EACB and to reflect on the main developments currently shaping EU policy debates and the regulatory framework in which cooperative banks operate.

The General Assembly also provided an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Las Palmerillas Experimental Station, a global benchmark for innovation in greenhouse agriculture founded by Cajamar. The anniversary was marked by a keynote address from the Governor of the Bank of Spain, José Luis Escrivá, who highlighted the strength and resilience of the cooperative banking business model and underlined the sector’s crucial role in financing the Spanish economy, particularly in supporting sectors most at risk of financial exclusion.

During the meeting, members approved several important governance decisions. Viviana Mitrache-Rimbault (Crédit Agricole S.A.) was appointed as a representative on the EACB Board, while CrelanCo was formally admitted as a new member of the Association, further broadening the EACB’s membership base. In addition, Professor Małgorzata Iwanicz-Drozdowska of KZBS, the EACB’s Polish member, was elected Chair of the Cooperative Identity Forum, bringing her extensive academic background and sector expertise to the role.

Looking ahead to 2026, members exchanged views on a number of policy priorities for cooperative banks in Europe, including agricultural financing, sustainability reporting and the simplification of the EU prudential framework for banks. In this context, EACB members reaffirmed their shared commitment to preserving diversity within the European banking landscape and to promoting an inclusive, resilient and member-focused banking model.

“Our final General Assembly of the year was a valuable opportunity to reflect on an intense and transformative period for cooperative banks across Europe,” EACB President Priscille Szeradzki commented. “It confirmed not only our leadership in promoting a resilient, innovative and inclusive banking model, but also the strength and continued growth of our Association. As we look towards 2026, cooperative banks stand ready to address new challenges and to actively contribute to discussions on European sovereignty, ensuring that our approach to banking remains closely aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.”

The EACB also paid tribute to two General Assembly members stepping down from their roles after many years of dedicated service to cooperative and mutual banking: Isabelle Ferrand, CEO of Crédit Mutuel Group in France, and Robin Fieth, CEO of the London-based Building Societies Association. Special thanks were also extended to Volker Heegemann, Head of the Legal Department, who is retiring after more than twenty years of service, in recognition of his longstanding commitment and advocacy for the sector in EU policy discussions.

“We warmly thank the Cajamar Cooperative Group for hosting this General Assembly and for its long-standing commitment to cooperative banking in Spain. The close cooperation with our Spanish members remains a cornerstone of the EACB’s work,” – concluding the General Assembly, EACB CEO Nina Schindler stated – “and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership in support of the continued success of the cooperative banking movement.”

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