ALMERÍA, December 25, 2025 – The European Association of Cooperative Banks [EACB] held its 57th General Assembly in Almería, kindly hosted by the Cajamar Co-operative Group and its President, Bernabé Sánchez Minguet. More than thirty representatives from across Europe gathered to decide on matters of strategic importance for the association and to reflect on developments dominating current EU policy discussions and shaping the regulatory environment in which co-operative banks operate.
The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Las Palmerillas Experimental Station, a global reference centre for greenhouse agricultural innovation founded by Cajamar. The milestone was marked by a keynote address from the Governor of the Bank of Spain, José Luis Escrivá, who highlighted the success and resilience of the cooperative banking model, as well as the sector’s critical role in financing Spain’s economy, particularly sectors most at risk of financial exclusion.
During the meeting, members endorsed several significant governance decisions. Viviana Mitrache-Rimbault from Crédit Agricole S.A. was appointed as a representative on the EACB Board, followed by the formal admission of CrelanCo as a new EACB member, further expanding the association’s reach. In addition, Professor Małgorzata Iwanicz-Drozdowska of KZBS, EACB’s Polish member, was elected as the new Chair of the Co-operative Identity Forum, bringing extensive academic and sectoral expertise to the role.
Looking ahead to 2026, members exchanged views on policy topics of particular relevance to co-operative 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 commitment to preserving the diversity of the banking landscape and upholding their inclusive, resilient and member-focused banking model.
EACB President Priscille Szeradzki stated: “Our final General Assembly of the year was an important opportunity to look back on what has been an intense and transformative year for cooperative banks across Europe. This gathering reaffirmed not only our leadership in shaping a resilient, innovative and inclusive banking model, but also the strength and continued growth of our association. As we look ahead to 2026, cooperative banks are ready to address new developments and actively contribute to ongoing debates on European sovereignty, ensuring that our way of doing banking remains at the heart of economic progress and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.”
The EACB also paid tribute to two General Assembly members stepping down after years of dedicated service to cooperative and mutual banking: Isabelle Ferrand, CEO of the Crédit Mutuel Group in France, and Robin Fieth, CEO of the London-based Building Societies Association. In addition, Volker Heegemann, Head of the Legal Department, was thanked for his advocacy on behalf of the sector in EU policy debates as he retires after more than two decades with the organisation.
EACB CEO Nina Schindler concluded: “We warmly thank the Cajamar Cooperative Group for hosting this General Assembly and for their long-standing commitment to cooperative banking in Spain. The strong collaboration with our Spanish members remains a cornerstone of the EACB’s work, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership for the continued success of our movement.”
https://thecooperator.news/scheduled-coop-banks-in-india-to-work-at-par-with-national-banks/
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