Cooperatives, mutual societies, associations anf foundations: multiannual programme 1994-1996

The purpose of this proposal for a decision is to introduce a multiannual programme (1994-96) of Community action to benefit cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations in the Community. The programme has an overall budget of ECU 5.6 million and will include the following sections: - action to promote, coordinate and strengthen interventions for the benefit of cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations by: . strengthening the horizontal approach (studying the development of this sector in the Community, creating a favourable climate, evaluating the impact of Community legislation, organizing consultation); . supporting specific action to promote the potential for cross-border collaboration, especially for SMEs in the sector and so that groups of partners can find new activities, improve information, disseminate social innovations and strengthen the role of cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations as vectors of Community policy; - strengthening action to benefit cooperatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations under other policies by: . developing Community statistics and compiling data in the wake of studies carried out in this sector; . supporting training efforts; . encouraging the development of R&D.�