Working to achieve an open, competitive EU digital ecosystem #OpenSource #OpenStandards #OpenInnovation | RP ≠ endorsement
The European Commission’s Open Source Observatory has published its second update of the France Country Report, covering developments in open source software adoption in the country over the past three years.
Local movements have defined France’s long history with open source software adoption. Over the past three years, an increased call for digital sovereignty and greater reliance on European and open source solutions have reshaped this landscape considerably.
The Polish Council of Ministers announced a new Resolution for a Strategy on the Digitalisation of the State. The document includes a fully-fledged chapter on open source software use in the national public administration.
In this article from the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory, Clara Thebert interviews Ryszard Łuczyn, Deputy Director of the Minister's Office of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, to explore this development
Read the full article: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/poland-adds-open-source-chapter-its-digitalisation-strategy
🚀 OFE Publishes Landmark Study Calling on Funding Europe’s Open Digital Infrastructure through an EU Sovereign Tech Fund (EU-STF)
Our new report urges creation of an EU Sovereign Tech Fund (EU-STF) to fix chronic underfunding of open source technologies – the backbone of Europe’s digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and competitiveness.
🔗 Check it out: eu-stf.openforumeurope.org
🔗 Check out our summary: https://openforumeurope.org/ofe-launches-landmark-study-calling-for-an-eu-sovereign-tech-fund-to-secure-europes-digital-future/
Barcelona is now the first city in the world to officially endorse the UN Open Source Principles. Announced at Barcelona Open Tech Week 2025, the move strengthens the city’s commitment to citizen centred technology, public participation and collaboration, while also reducing dependence on big tech.
A recent article by the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) explores this development in depth.
@HennaVirkkunen@ec.social-network.europa.eu gave a keynote address, lauding the EU as "the beacon of open source technology". Existing innovation must now be supported to reach scale, ensure financial sustainability and achieve wider market penetration.
67 free and open source projects working on shared digital infrastructure have been awarded grants as part of the NGI - The Next Generation Internet initiative, across three different funds: NGI Zero Commons Fund, NGI TALER and NGI Fediversity.
1 October @oscl@mastodon.opencloud.lu examines open source and data as the foundation for Digital Sovereignty. A great opportunity to engage with the open source community in Luxembourg!
Register here: https://conference.opensource.lu/
View the agenda here: https://conference.opensource.lu/agenda/
The UN Open Source Week (UNOSW) is kicking off today in New York City at the UN Headquarters. OpenForum Europe is proud to be a partner of the UNOSW.
Learn more: https://www.unopensource.org/
In June 2026, the Swedish Agency for Digital Government (Digg) updated its open source policy for the first time since 2022, with a cleaner structure, six core principles, and a new hands-on handbook for the public sector that other agencies can fork and adapt.
In this article by European Commission's Open Source Observatory Éléonore Daxhelet examines this updated policy.
Read the full article: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/digg-updates-its-open-source-policy
Join the European Commission's Open Source Observatory (OSOR) webinar "Driving Public Value Through Open Source Artificial Intelligence (AI )" on 30 June, to explore the the role of open source AI in the public sector.
https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/event/join-osor-workshop-driving-public-value-through-open-source-artificial-intelligence-30-june
On 22nd June, OpenForum Europe co-organised and was part of the fifth NGI Commons project webinar entitled “Europe’s Tech Sovereignty Package: Key takeaways and next steps”.
The recording of the session is now available: https://video.ngi.eu/w/sN7UEjkShqmEN33pQfehoe
Two weeks ago, we gathered at @THE@mastodon.cloud Cyprus Institute for Capital Series Cyprus. We have published the event recordings.
Watch the sessions: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPSRZrrm1DwzLx3UnacbMMo0pYwZAA7tD&si=vQt_PjXZOXUglH0h
RE: @OpenForumEurope@mastodon.cloud
There is still time to submit your proposal to the first edition of the OTR Symposium 2026! The deadline ends 5 July 2026.
Submit and register now: https://symposium.opentechresearch.org/
The Call for Proposals for the first Open Technology Research (OTR) Symposium 2026 is still open!
- CFP Deadline: 5 July 2026
- Symposium Dates: 26–27 October 2026
- Location: Universitat de Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain
Submit your proposal and register here: https://symposium.opentechresearch.org/
In our newest blog post, OpenForum Europe's Senior Policy Advisor Jaakko Karhu explores where the EU Tech Sovereignty Package and the Commission's defence strategy meet and what open source policy can contribute to European security and defence.
Finland’s open source polling platform, Voxit, fosters transparent and collaborative citizen engagement in political debates, aiming to reduce polarisation.
Read the full article by the EU Commission's Open Source Observatory: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/voxit-polling-platform-launches-european-collaboration
Join the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR) Webinar: Driving Public Value Through Open Source Artificial Intelligence to explore the role of open source artificial intelligence in the public sector.
Register here for the workshop: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/event/join-osor-workshop-driving-public-value-through-open-source-artificial-intelligence-30-june
@europeanOSacademy@fosstodon.org (EOSA) is hosting a new webinar.
Join EOSA on April 8th at 14:00 CEST for:
“Breaking Cloud Lock-in: The Role of Open Source and Standards in Creating a Competitive Cloud Market.”
Register now: https://europeanopensource.academy/form/breaking-cloud-lock-in-webinar-r
At the EU Open Source Policy Summit 2026, the panel “Europe as the World’s Home for Open Source” explored boosting EU competitiveness & sovereignty. Speakers called for funding & cross-border collaboration to sustain open ecosystems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlRlvbXatb4
OpenForum Europe is expanding! We are excited to welcome our new Policy Analyst, Éléonore Daxhelet. Éléonore initially joined OFE as a Research Assistant in June 2025 and has now transitioned into a full-time role.
Join us in welcoming Éléonore to the OFE team!
In the final episode, Amandine Le Pape looks at how procurement and policy can drive real change. Building open source may be harder than closed source—but the benefits for maintainers, organisations, and users are transformative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWMGC8zPOQY
Episode 6 tackles common misconceptions about open source. Amandine Le Pape explains the risks of relying on projects without supporting them—and why sustainability is critical for the long-term health of the open source ecosystem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7STht-EjyLQ
In Episode 4, Amandine Le Pape explores what it takes to build a sustainable open source business. Learn about the key enablers, practical steps, and long-term thinking required to turn open source innovation into lasting impact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o6Uh-SYHyY
OpenForum Europe (OFE) is hiring!
We’re looking for a paid Policy Intern to join our team in Brussels.
🔹Work on EU digital policy, advocacy, research & outreach
🔹Monitor and analyse policy developments
🔹Support events and day-to-day operations
Applications open until 20 March 2026 (interviews start immediately).
Learn more & apply:
https://openforumeurope.org/join-the-ofe-team-as-a-policy-intern/
The German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND)’s new initiative puts public input at the centre of government innovation, using open source tools to turn feedback into real projects.
Read the full article:
https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/sprind-engages-citizens-simplify-bureaucracy-open-source
@europeanOSacademy@fosstodon.org launched its Partner Community, bringing together commercial, academic, public-interest and civil society organisations under the same umbrella, all in favour of strengthening open source software and hardware across Europe.
The Partner Community will comprise of two groups: Subscribers and Knowledge Partners.
Interested in joining as a Subscriber or Knowledge Partner? Explore the Partnership Page: https://europeanopensource.academy/european-open-source-partnership-section
In a new article for the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR), Nicholas Gates highlights the launch of the Open Technology Research (OTR) initiative and its mission to develop a global research agenda for open technology.
Read the full article:
https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/shaping-global-research-agenda-open-technology
The initiative aims to close key evidence gaps that affect how governments and institutions make decisions about open technologies.
Episode 3 of the @europeanOSacademy@fosstodon.org Masterclass dives into key decisions when starting an open source business. Amandine Le Pape explains licenses, roles in the open source ecosystem, and why “open washing” undermines trust. A practical look at building responsibly in the open source landscape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEV5qzGe_b4
Episode 5 focuses on open source business models that work. Amandine Le Pape breaks down revenue approaches such as managed hosting, dual licensing, training and certification, and hardware bundling, showing how sustainable models can amplify open source impact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB79S5M6L9E
The panel “Europe’s Software Challenge” at the EU Open Source Policy Summit 2026 explored how openness can act as a foundation for competitiveness, innovation, and digital sovereignty.
The conversation evolved around common challenges facing the ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, investment, and turning ambition into actionable outcomes.
Watch the full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIZgIlcY7cw
16 June 2026 – OFE’s Capital Series is coming to Nicosia, Cyprus.
Join policymakers, industry, and the open source community to explore Europe’s digital future and opportunities for Cyprus.
Register now: https://openforumeurope.org/events/open-source-and-the-european-union-cyprus-ofe-capital-series/
In Feb 2026, France’s ANSSI updated its open source policy: all agency software will now use licenses compliant with French law, aiming to align releases with national legislation and promote secure, legally sound open source practices.
Read the full article: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/anssi-updates-its-open-source-policy
In Episode 2 of the European Open Source Academy Masterclass, Amandine explores how open source drives economic, societal, and business impact, and why building on it goes far beyond technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nauh1Viti5Y
Tomorrow, OFE’s Capital Series Cyprus - Open Source and the European Union arrives at The Cyprus Institute in Nicosia.
Join us for the panel “From Open Knowledge to Public Code: Building Cyprus’ FOSS Capacity for Digital Sovereignty” to explore the Cypriot open source ecosystem and how it can respond to open source moving into the centre of digital sovereignty, public-sector resilience and digital public infrastructure in Europe.
Register now: https://openforumeurope.org/events/open-source-and-the-european-union-cyprus-ofe-capital-series/
Last Nov, ESA & IBM Research released ImpactMesh, a global dataset of floods & wildfires, used to fine-tune the open source AI TerraMind. Open sourcing these tools boosts research, disaster preparedness, and access to satellite data.
Read the full article here: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/esa-open-sourced-ai-model-earth-observation
Today we sent out our newsletter! The OpenForum Europe newsletter is the best way to keep up with our work and the broader open technology ecosystem in Europe. Sign up now: https://openforumeurope.org/newsletter/
The Municipality of Amsterdam launched its “Multiyear Digital Autonomy Strategy (2026–2035)”, aiming to reduce dependence on large technology companies for digital services and achieve full digital autonomy by 2035.
This article from the European Commission’s Open Source Observatory (OSOR), examines Amsterdam’s initiative.
Read the full article: https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/open-source-observatory-osor/news/amsterdam-chooses-open-source
The eighth NGI Zero funding round is supporting 44 projects working on shared digital infrastructure.
These projects span the full tech stack, all promoting openness, transparency, and user freedom.
So far 314 projects have received funding in the eight rounds of the NGI Zero Commons Fund. A new call opens every two months, the current call closes April 1.
Explore the full list of projects and see how they’re shaping the future: https://nlnet.nl/news/2026/20260302-announce-commons-fund.html
Join our policy breakfast to discuss the impact of the proposed Cyber Resilience Act on #FOSS in Europe. Discover the role of FOSS, why the CRA may miss the mark, and how co-legislators can address the concerns.
🗓️ May 25, 08:30 - 10:30CET
📍 Brussels
Speakers:
- Dr. Detlef Zerfowski, VP of Security and Runtime Environment at ETAS
- Dirk-Willem van Gulik, Apache Software Foundation
Moderator:
- Astor Nummelin Carlberg, Executive Director, OpenForum Europe
Registration ↘ https://openforumeurope.org/event/the-cyber-resilience-act-and-open-source-software/
Open Technology Research has now published the key insights from all three global consultations it held on 19 March, to shape its research agenda, ensuring it reflects the real challenges practitioners face.
The Asia Pacific consultation:
https://opentechresearch.org/blog/open-technology-research-global-consultations-key-insights-from-the-asia-pacific-region/
The Europe and Africa consultation:
https://opentechresearch.org/blog/open-technology-research-global-consultations-key-insights-from-europe-and-africa/
The Americas consultation:
https://opentechresearch.org/blog/open-technology-research-global-consultations-key-insights-from-the-americas/
On 24 June, OFE's Chair of the Board, Sachiko Muto, will speak on the panel Open Source and Digital Sovereignty in a Connected World, alongside. Later on she will be moderating a session entitled "Unlocking the Power of Open Source for Sustainable Digital Infrastructure: Introducing the Open Source Enablement Compass (OSEC)." The session will explore how governments can benchmark and strengthen their open source ecosystems through a new UN-led initiative.
OpenForum Europe is growing! We are proud to welcome two new colleagues to our Brussels office, Sofia Linna and Macklin Miezejeski. They both join under the CIP scheme of Bruxelles Formation.
On 13th October, the Capital Series Ireland will arrive in Dublin.
The event will explore different aspects of open source technologies, and their potential to improve competitiveness across smaller European territories. The discussions will build on the Irish implementation of the AI Act and assess its opportunities to unlock cross-border growth.
Registration is already open and updates on the agenda, speaker and venue will follow soon.
Register now: https://openforumeurope.org/events/open-source-and-the-european-union-ireland-ofe-capital-series/
