Legal regulations on cooperative membership in the European Union and Germany: Recommendations for Vietnam

Abstract

Cooperatives embody a collective economic model that contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of numerous nations, including the European Union, Germany, and Vietnam. Recognising the pivotal role of cooperatives, these jurisdictions have prioritised the formulation and implementation of comprehensive legal frameworks to govern the operation of cooperatives. Among these frameworks, the legal provisions concerning cooperative membership are a critical aspect, which exerts a profound influence on the sustainable development and growth of cooperatives. This article undertakes a detailed analysis of the legal provisions regulating cooperative membership under the laws of the European Union and Germany. Based on this comparison, the article proposes recommendations to enhance Vietnam’s current legal framework on cooperative membership.