Thoughts and Updates for a Sovereign Digital Future
Welcome to our Blog, your source for news, updates, and insights on the journey towards a sovereign, open, and sustainable digital Europe. We discuss critical issues shaping Europe's digital future, exploring the transformative potential of Open Source software, the imperative of digital sovereignty, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Some Thoughts on Interoperability
2024-12-10 | Stefane Fermigier
We explore the importance of enforceable interoperability, focusing on open standards and the risks of weakened definitions. It provides actionable recommendations for strengthening interoperability in complex environments like cloud computing and telecommunications.
Digital Sovereignty European Union Interoperability Open Source Policy -
Comments on the 'Euro Stack' Conference
2024-11-19 | Stefane Fermigier
We analyze the outcomes of the 'Toward European Digital Independence: Building the Euro Stack' conference, highlighting areas of alignment with strategic goals, identifying gaps, and proposing concrete actions to further the cause of European digital independence.
Cloud Digital Sovereignty European Union EuroStack Infrastructure Open Source Policy -
Drafting European Sovereignty Criteria for Software and Digital Systems
2024-09-12 | Stefane Fermigier
This draft aims to establish a robust set of criteria that define what it means for software or a digital service or system to be considered 'sovereign' within the European context. It draws inspiration from various sources, including the Digital Summit's focus group on digital sovereignty, the...
Digital Sovereignty European Union Open Source Policy -
Open Source as Europe's Strategic Response to the Draghi Report's Call for Competitiveness
2024-09-12 | Stefane Fermigier
We outline how open source software aligns with the core recommendations of the Draghi Report and why a shift toward open source adoption across Europe is necessary to enhance competitiveness, reduce dependencies, and foster a more resilient and dynamic digital economy.
Competitiveness Digital Sovereignty European Union Innovation Open Source -
Red Alert: The Looming Loss of NGI Funding and its Impact on European Tech
2024-08-01 | Stefane Fermigier
The potential defunding of the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative in the Horizon Europe working draft for 2025 poses a significant threat to the European open source ecosystem. This post outlines the critical role NGI plays in fostering innovation, ensuring digital sovereignty, and...
Digital Sovereignty Funding NGI Open Source -
Achieving Digital Sovereignty through Connected, Collaborative Computing: An Open Source Approach
2024-06-27 | Stefane Fermigier
We outline strategies to effectively mobilize European Open Source communities to support providers and adopters within the Connected Collaborative Computing (3C) framework. Drawing on extensive experience with collaborative projects and funding schemes, we advocate for a shift towards more...
Collaboration Cybersecurity Digital Sovereignty Education European Union Funding Innovation Interoperability Open Source Sustainability -
Proposal for the European Commission 2024-2027 Open Source Strategy
2024-02-25 | Stefane Fermigier
The European Commission's commitment to Open Source software is a key aspect of Europe's digital agenda. Building on previous Open Source Strategy documents (2014-2017 and 2020-2023), we outline a proposal for a renewed and expanded strategy for 2024-2027, addressing evolving digital challenges...
Cybersecurity Digital Sovereignty European Commission Innovation Interoperability Policy Public Sector Sustainability -
The Two Faces of a Public-Sector OSPO
2024-02-13 | Stefane Fermigier
Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) in the public sector have a dual mandate, encompassing both internal and external-facing functions. This document outlines the core responsibilities of a public-sector OSPO, highlighting the distinct yet interconnected nature of its internal and external mandates.
Digital Sovereignty European Union Open Source OSPO Public Sector -
Lost in Legislation: How the EU Missed the Mark with the Cyber Resilience Act
2024-02-07 | Stefane Fermigier
The passage of the Cyber Resilience Act by European institutions has sparked controversy, with the Open Source community and SMEs at the heart of the debate. This post examines the missteps and oversights that marred the CRA's development, highlighting a legislative process marked by deficiency...
Collaboration CRA European Union Legislation Open Source Policy SMEs -
Escaping the "Microsoft Trap": challenges and strategies for the technological autonomy of the French Ministry of Defence
2024-01-30 | Stefane Fermigier
A report on the challenges of cyber defence was tabled on 17 January by the National Assembly's Committee on National Defence and the Armed Forces. Presented by MPs Anne Le Hénanff and Frédéric Mathieu, the report looks at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces' dependence on Microsoft...
Cybersecurity Digital Dependency Digital Sovereignty European Union Open Source Public Sector -
The year 2023 in Review: Open Source and Digital Sovereignty in Europe
2024-01-01 | Stefane Fermigier
The year 2023 saw a surge of interest in Open Source software as a cornerstone of digital sovereignty across Europe. From the EU's Open Source Strategy to national initiatives and industry advocacy, key themes emerged that shaped the landscape of Open Source in Europe. This article provides an...
Advocacy Collaboration CRA Cybersecurity Digital Sovereignty Education European Union Funding Industry Infrastructure NGI Open Source OSPO Policy Public Procurement Public Sector Sustainability -
Grandeur and decadence of European Open Source policy
2023-12-12 | Stefane Fermigier
Europe's digital policy is in a state of flux, with policymakers grappling to balance security, innovation, and the unique nature of Open Source software. While the EU aims to bolster its digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, exemplified by the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), its approach and...
Collaboration CRA Cybersecurity Digital Sovereignty Education European Union Funding Industry Innovation NGI Open Source Policy Public Procurement Sustainability