Ecosocial Forum Europe
Ökosoziales Forum Deutschland
http://oeko-sozial-projekt.de
Forum Ökologisch-Soziale Marktwirtschaft / Green Budget Germany
Interview about the Eco Social Market Economy

A definition by the Ecosocial Forum Europe
Ecosocial Market Economy is Economical, Ecological and Socially Sustainable.

Based on the Social Market Economy, an Ecosocial Market Economy takes corrective action where the market forces do not lead to sustainable results. It aims at an equitable balance between economy, social issues and ecology. In this sense, the Ecosocial Market Economy is rooted not only in a comprehensively conceived EU Lisbon Strategy, but also in the EU draft constitution and in the EU strategy for sustainable development. It forms an alternative to market fundamentalism.

To the point

1.    Ecosocial Market Economy is a holistic model in which management is based on both social equity and ecological responsibility.
2.    The Ecosocial Market Economy believes in the mechanisms of Market Economy. The market forces are the foundation and motor of development. Yet in view of later generations, the Ecosocial Market Economy always considers the sustainability of political and economic activities.
3.    The Ecosocial Market Economy recognises environmental quality and social quality of life as fundamental dimensions of our prosperity.
4.    The Ecosocial Market Economy focuses on an ecologically compatible production process. The conservation and retrieval of intact nature and environment cost money, which originators of environmental charges should procure.
5.    The Ecosocial Market Economy claims that the protection of the environment and social fairness are vital criteria for economic acting. Yet protection of the environment has to be economically profitable. Political leaders are challenged to offer appropriate frame conditions for economic activities.
6.    Ecosocial Market Economy means to think and act beyond national frontiers in the fields of environmental and social affairs.
7.    The Ecosocial Market Economy contributes to the sustainable development of the world population. Higher social and educational standards influence the demographic development in terms of sustainability. Ecosocial Market Economy finds partners in developing countries and emerging markets. Investments in their social structures, their environment and economy set the stage for peaceful coexistence in the future.


Worldwide Ecosocial Market Economy

A global market needs global rules. Regional implementation of the Ecosocial Market Economy is limited by possible distortions of competition. All the more, a broad international consensus is needed. Minimal requirements for a worldwide Ecosocial Market Economy are:

1.    international approval of ecology, social affairs, economy and cultural identity as coequal and equivalent aims
2.    mandatory ecological and social minimum standards worldwide
3.    fair and sustainable rules for the global financial markets
4.    fairness within the international tax systems; in particular, this means the shutdown of tax havens.

For a worldwide Ecosocial Market Economy coherent global rules are indispensable - i. e., a minimum of Global Governance. This requires a reform of the interaction of such international institutions as the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund.