--- a/bindings/python/__init__.py
+++ b/bindings/python/__init__.py
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import os
+os.environ['GNC_DBD_DIR'] = '@gnc_dbd_dir@'
+os.environ['GSETTINGS_SCHEMA_DIR'] = '@gsettings_schema_dir@'
+
 # import all the symbols from gnucash_core, so basic gnucash stuff can be
 # loaded with:
 # >>> from gnucash import thingy