diff --git a/menulibre/__init__.py b/menulibre/__init__.py
index 33cf557..88d1f1d 100644
--- a/menulibre/__init__.py
+++ b/menulibre/__init__.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 
 import optparse
 import sys
+import os
 
 from locale import gettext as _
 
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ def main():
     """Main application for Menulibre"""
     opts = parse_options()
 
+    if os.getenv('XDG_CONFIG_DIRS') is None:
+        os.putenv('XDG_CONFIG_DIRS', '/etc/xdg/gnome:/etc/xdg')
+
     # Run the application.
     app = MenulibreApplication.Application()
     if opts.headerbar is not None: