Global Credit Union Leaders Graduate from 21st DE Europe Programme in Dublin

Thursday 14 August 2025

Forty-two participants from 11 international credit union movements came together in Dublin last week for the 21st Credit Union Development Education (DE) Europe programme, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the Department of Finance on Monday 11 August.

Held from 6–11 August 2025 at the Carlton Hotel near Dublin Airport, this immersive residential programme is designed for credit union professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the movement’s values and global impact. DE Europe is an intensive six-day learning experience that builds knowledge of cooperative principles, international credit union development, and the sector’s global significance. Facilitated by internationally recognised leaders Marlene Shiels OBE (UK) and Lois Kitsch (USA), the course unites professionals from across the world to collaborate, share experiences, and develop lifelong networks.

The Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Robert Troy TD, hosted the graduation event, presenting certificates to the graduates and offering his congratulations:

Minister Robert Troy TD welcomed the DE Europe programme to Ireland and saying: “I was delighted to welcome the DE Europe programme to Ireland for the first time, and I would like to congratulate all forty-two course participants on completion of this programme.

“International events like this are important and provide an opportunity for Ireland to share our knowledge, values and the importance of the credit union sector to Irish citizens. I encourage all participants to build upon the networks built over the last week which will support continued

Reflecting on the week, course facilitator Marlene Shiels OBE, ICUDE, said: “Seeing the transformation in participants over the course of the week has been inspiring. This year’s class brought energy, openness, and a real commitment to learning from each other’s experiences. By the end, it was clear that everyone left not only with new knowledge, but with a deeper connection to the credit union movement and its purpose.

“That’s why DE is so important—it equips people with both the understanding and the passion to make meaningful change in their communities and across the sector worldwide.”