Social and solidarity economy
Law No. 2014-856 of 31 July 2014 relating to the social and solidarity economy
The law aims to define the scope, key concepts, modes of representation, and mechanisms that have been structured in practice, closely aligned with local action. Most of the provisions entered into force on August 2, 2014.
Defining the scope of the social and solidarity economy and structuring the policies that contribute to it, both nationally and territorially
Article 1 defines the criteria and conditions for belonging to the social and solidarity economy. Article 11 reforms the " socially useful solidarity enterprise " accreditation. Articles 13 and 14 concern socially responsible public procurement and subsidies within the framework of the social and solidarity economy.
Provisions facilitating the transfer of businesses to their employees
The law provides for a system of informing employees prior to the sale of a business and the sale of shares, stocks, or securities giving access to a majority of the capital (Articles 19 and 20). These two provisions apply to sales concluded at least three months after the publication of the law.
Provisions to support the development of cooperative enterprises
Cooperatives may create cooperative development funds (Art. 23). Law No. 47-1775 of 10 September 1947 concerning the status of cooperatives is amended (Art. 24).
Provisions relating to insurance companies, mutual societies and provident institutions
As a continuation of the national interprofessional agreement which generalized mandatory health coverage for all employees in the private sector, article 51 allows for co-insurance operations between insurance organizations subject to different regulations: the mutual insurance code, the insurance code and the social security code.
5) Miscellaneous provisions
Title V deals with support and guidance mechanisms. For example, Article 59 defines subsidies. Article 70 reforms the association voucher system to improve its attractiveness and encourage its use by associations. Article 74 extends the capacity to receive donations to associations of general interest.
The legal framework for foundations and endowment funds is also modified. Article 80 extends eligibility for the association employment voucher system to foundations with fewer than nine employees. Title VIII concerns eco-organizations. Finally, Title VIII contains miscellaneous provisions. These provisions relate in particular to the conditions and effective dates of the mechanisms established by this bill.
