EU Launches Consultation on Strengthening Open-Source Ecosystems

The European Commission aims to strengthen the development and use of open source within the EU. To this end, it has launched a consultation seeking input on the strengths and weaknesses of the current European open-source ecosystem, as well as the value that open-source solutions deliver to both the public and private sectors. The objective of the consultation is to inform more effective policies and investments relating to the open-source ecosystem. Responses to the consultation document must be submitted by midnight on 3 February in order to be taken into account in the decision-making process.

The consultation forms part of the initiative Towards European Open Digital Ecosystems. The Commission intends to incorporate the outcomes into additions to existing and planned legislation, such as the Cloud and AI Development Act. They see open-source technology as playing a key role in reducing Europe’s dependence on non-European digital infrastructure. Current barriers to the growth of the open-source ecosystem include limited access to public procurement and capital.

Moreover, although Europe has a large number of open-source developers, much of the economic value creation takes place outside Europe. This is largely due to the market dominance of non-European technology companies driven by scale and network effects. The European Commission aims to address this imbalance and structurally strengthen open source without introducing new legislation.

Respond by 3 February

The initiative focuses on supporting the entire open-source lifecycle, including development, maintenance, deployment and market integration. Particular attention is given to strategic technology areas such as the internet, cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, open hardware and industrial applications. A key element of the initiative is the promotion of governance and business models that support scaling.

Responses to the consultation document must be submitted by midnight on 3 February in order to be taken into account in the decision-making process.

Source: AG Connect