With globalization, many new avenues are created which co-operatives could use to make their presence felt. The Report of the High Powered Committee on Co-operatives (May 2009) has highlighted that globalization creates additional opportunities in newer areas which are very important for people and communities but are not regarded as commercially viable.
Perhaps one should recall at this point that integration is not only an objective by itself. What is at stake is sustainable economic and social development and ultimately political stability and – without sounding pretentious – peace. European integration will only be truly successful if it reaches out to the whole of Europe.