2025 marks the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, a timely moment to spotlight Belgium’s evolving cooperative landscape. Cooperatives are not just businesses; they are enterprises that put people before capital, combining economic activity with democratic governance and social value.
In Belgium, this model is gaining renewed attention thanks to academic research, practitioner expertise and legislative reform.
Knowledge Center at KU Leuven
The Knowledge Center for Cooperative Entrepreneurship (KCO) at KU Leuven was founded by Cera and continues to receive its support. KCO plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cooperatives by monitoring and analyzing the sector, among other activities. Through the Belgian Cooperative Monitor, researchers provide evidence-based insights into the economic weight, governance practices, and societal impact of cooperatives. This data-driven approach is essential for policymakers and practitioners who aim to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem.
Cera: practitioner expertise in action
As one of Belgium’s leading cooperatives with more than 400.000 members, Cera brings hands-on experience to the table. As an exclusive investor in KBC, we help anchor this Belgian bank locally and contribute to a strong economy. But our commitment goes further: through research, training, and coaching, we support cooperatives in growing sustainably and gaining broad support.
Cera’s practitioners emphasize the cooperative enterprise model, which is built on the threefold relationship of each member: as an owner, as a user, and through democratic control. These relationships are not abstract—they translate into resilient business strategies and long-term value.
New Legislation: a turning point
The introduction of Belgium’s new Companies and Associations Code (WVV) in 2019 marked a milestone. It clarified the legal identity of cooperatives through the cv statute, aligning national law with international cooperative principles. While the number of registered cooperatives fell from 24.971 in 2016 to 12.517 in 2025, this decline signals a positive trend: fewer “pseudo-cooperatives” and a stronger commitment to authentic cooperative identity. Today, 1.702 enterprises have adopted the new cv form—a conscious choice to embed cooperative identity in their statutes and make it visible in how they present themselves.
Why the Monitor matters
The Belgian Cooperative Monitor is more than a statistical report; it is a strategic tool. It reveals that cooperatives, though only 0.08% of Belgian enterprises, represent 1,1% of GDP and 2,1% of employment—with over 73.000 jobs and €29 billion in turnover. These figures underscore the sector’s resilience: during the COVID-19 crisis, cooperatives doubled their added value. The Monitor also highlights regional dynamics, sectoral shifts, and the growing importance of recognition systems such as the National Council for Cooperatives.
The cooperative enterprise model: a future-proof choice
Why does this matter? Because the cooperative model offers answers to today’s economic and social challenges. It prioritizes goal maximization over profit maximization, fosters member engagement, and builds trust through transparency. In times of uncertainty, cooperatives act as laboratories for democratic and sustainable entrepreneurship—a vision that resonates with Raiffeisen’s founding principles.
Belgium’s experience shows that collaboration between research, practice, and policy is key. KU Leuven provides the knowledge base, Cera brings practitioner insight, and the new legal framework sets the stage for growth. Together, they ensure that cooperatives remain a cornerstone of a resilient economy—at home and abroad.
