The solidarity economy: a way of life

The solidarity economy: a society project

The solidarity-based economy constitutes a third mode of economic activity, alongside the market economy and the civil service. Its aim is to find an alternative to the capitalist market and its rationale of maximising profit and productivity gains, through an economic activity where the priority is given to promoting and protecting the well-being of people in society. The objective is to create jobs that enable every citizen to work and live with dignity, while at the same time improving the quality of life for the entire population. With imagination and innovation, what is also known as the third space of the economy, endeavours to meet social and environmental needs (which are often deemed non-profitable) that are neglected by the private or public sectors, geared as they are to maximum profitability. The general interest of the community and the societal utility of its activities are consequently the ultimate aim of the solidarity economy.

The solidarity economy according to OPE

From the outset OPE has participated in the establishment and development of ECOSOL in Luxembourg. OPE wishes to show the real needs of the population: putting the economy in the service of people, instead of the other way around, makes it possible to create an economic system in which the values of solidarity, respect and democracy retain their full meaning. In fact, beyond theory, according to OPE, the solidarity economy is geared to a real way of life in the service of a society with a human face. To succeed in this endeavour, OPE subscribes to several grand principles such as sustainable local development, volunteering and sharing knowledge, and strives to apply them in the daily reality of people’s lives. Another particular feature of ECOSOL companies is the diversification of funding: In addition to a large part being subsidised by the State, the OPE budget has diversified resources (private and municipal funds or European subsidies).