SOL Project
Encyclopedia
The SOL Project is an innovative French
complementary currency
designed to promote a "solidarity economy
". The project is being financed by the European Commission
and pilot tested in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Ile-de-France
and Brittany. Instead of paper money it uses an electronic currency system with IC cards.
SOL was initiated by Patrick Viveret and Dominique Picard and received praise from then president Jacques Chirac
. Supporters believe that SOL will raise the standard of living for low income
participants while building the local economy
.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
complementary currency
Complementary currency
Complementary currency is a currency meant to be used as a complement to another currency, typically a national currency. Complementary currency is sometimes referred to as complementary community currency or as community currency...
designed to promote a "solidarity economy
Solidarity economy
The definition of "solidarity economy" is widely contested. For some, it refers to a set of strategies aimed at the abolition of capitalism and the oppressive social relations that it supports and encourages; for others, it names strategies for "humanizing" the capitalist economy—seeking to...
". The project is being financed by the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
and pilot tested in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Ile-de-France
Île-de-France (région)
Île-de-France is the wealthiest and most populated of the twenty-two administrative regions of France, composed mostly of the Paris metropolitan area....
and Brittany. Instead of paper money it uses an electronic currency system with IC cards.
SOL was initiated by Patrick Viveret and Dominique Picard and received praise from then president Jacques Chirac
Jacques Chirac
Jacques René Chirac is a French politician who served as President of France from 1995 to 2007. He previously served as Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988 , and as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.After completing his studies of the DEA's degree at the...
. Supporters believe that SOL will raise the standard of living for low income
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
participants while building the local economy
Community-based economics
Community-based economics or community economics is an economic system that encourages local substitution. It is most similar the lifeways of those practicing voluntary simplicity, including traditional Mennonite, Amish, and modern eco-village communities...
.
External links
, European CommissionEuropean Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....