... brings together business, the environment and social responsibility. The aim is to reconcile economic success, social justice and environmental protection – so that future generations, too, can enjoy a good quality of life.

The idea was developed by Josef Riegler in 1989. His approach was that the market should be used specifically to promote environmental and climate protection. Through principles such as true-cost pricing, the polluter-pays principle and ecological tax reforms, sustainable decisions should also make economic sense.
To achieve this balance, clear rules and measures are needed, which must be further developed in collaboration with the scientific community, experts and interested parties.

Environment

Economy

Society

we.make.future

The eco-social market economy brings the environment, the economy and society into harmony. All three areas are of equal importance and are taken into account simultaneously.

More about the environment

European Exchange of Experience for Sustainable Food Systems

Dates

12–13 September 2026 | ernte.dank.festival. | Vienna

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24 September 2026 | Panel Discussion „Talk or Lose?" | Brussels

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18th-19th January 2027 | Winter Conference | Vienna

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About us

As an independent association, we work on a scientific basis. We advise politicians in the spirit of the eco-social market economy developed by Josef Riegler.

The independent Knowledge platform

We are committed to embedding the eco-social market economy in policy in Austria and across Europe. The eco-social market economy combines environmental, economic and social responsibility: it creates jobs, strengthens the economy and protects the natural foundations of life – all at the same time and in a sustainable manner. As an independent association based in Vienna, we draw up concrete recommendations for sustainable policies on a scientific basis and in consultation with experts.

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