Lega nazionale delle cooperative e mutue

The Federazione Nazionale delle Cooperative was founded in 1886 in Milan by delegates representing cooperative enterprises. In 1893, the federation changed its name to Lega delle Cooperative. At the time the federation included Catholic groups in solidarity with secular/socialist groups. In 1919, the Catholic cooperatives split and formed the Confederazione delle Cooperative Italiane. In the 1920s, the fascist government disposed of cooperatives and unions and the organization was disbanded.

After World War II, Legacoop reformed. Article 45 of the Italian Constitution recognized the social role of cooperatives as based on mutuality and non-profit goals, and involved the government in promoting its development. Cooperatives have flourished in Italy since and are a widespread presence nationwide.

Legacoop was among the founding members of the International Cooperative Alliance and actively participates in various European cooperative networks. Since 2016, it has organized the Biennale dell’Economia Cooperativa, the main public event in Italy dedicated to discussion and debate on the cooperative economy. The Biennale brings together national and international representatives from institutions and politics, as well as economists, scholars, cultural figures, and media professionals.