Europe’s digital sovereignty starts with open source

Europe's pursuit of digital sovereignty has placed a spotlight on the strategic importance of free and open-source software (FOSS). EDRi's recent submission to the EU's open-source digital strategy underscores this, asserting that FOSS is not merely a technical preference but a fundamental building block for European resilience, global competitiveness, and democratic independence in the digital realm. This perspective highlights a growing recognition within the EU of FOSS's potential to reduce reliance on proprietary, often foreign-controlled, technologies. The argument for FOSS as a cornerstone of digital sovereignty is rooted in its inherent transparency and collaborative nature. Unlike proprietary software, FOSS allows for independent auditing, modification, and redistribution, fostering greater control over digital infrastructure and reducing the risks associated with vendor lock-in and potential backdoors. This empowers European entities, from governments to businesses, to build and maintain their digital systems with greater assurance of security and autonomy. By championing open source, Europe aims to cultivate a more robust and self-sufficient digital ecosystem. This shift could significantly impact the market by encouraging the adoption of European-developed or auditable open-source solutions across various sectors. The long-term implications include enhanced cybersecurity, greater innovation through community collaboration, and a stronger foundation for digital policy initiatives, ultimately reinforcing Europe's strategic autonomy in an increasingly digital world.