TL;DR
The European Commission launched a call for evidence to inform its European Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on software from non-EU countries. The consultation solicits input from open-source contributors, businesses, public administrations and researchers, and runs until midnight (Brussels time) on February 3, 2026.
What happened
The European Commission has opened a four-week call for evidence to collect input for its European Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy. The initiative frames dependence on non-EU digital products as a problem that can limit user choice, weaken competitiveness for EU companies and create supply-chain security risks. The commission highlights open source as a public good that could support a diverse set of high-quality, secure alternatives to proprietary software, increase user agency and strengthen control and resilience of digital infrastructure. Respondents are invited to address five topic areas, including strengths and weaknesses of the EU open-source sector, the added value of open source for public and private sectors, EU-level measures to support the sector, priority technology areas, and sectors where open source could boost competitiveness and cyber resilience. The consultation targets a wide range of stakeholders and will be promoted through the commission’s channels; submissions are due by Feb. 3, 2026 (Brussels time).
Why it matters
- EU authorities view dependence on non-EU software as a risk to choice, competitiveness and supply-chain security.
- Open source is positioned as a potential foundation for resilient, auditable and adaptable digital infrastructure.
- The consultation could inform policy choices and potential EU-level support mechanisms for the open-source ecosystem.
- Input from diverse stakeholders may shape priorities for funding, procurement and cybersecurity within the EU.
Key facts
- The European Commission initiated a call for evidence as part of its European Open Digital Ecosystem Strategy.
- The consultation is open for four weeks, closing at midnight (Brussels time) on February 3, 2026.
- The commission cited dependence on non-EU digital products as reducing choice, harming competitiveness and raising supply-chain security concerns.
- The call describes open source as a public good that can underpin diverse, secure alternatives to proprietary software and increase user agency.
- Stakeholders invited include individual contributors, open-source companies and foundations, public administrations, specialised business sectors, the ICT industry, academia and research institutions.
- Respondents are asked five core questions about sector strengths/weaknesses, added value, EU-level measures, priority technologies and sectors for open-source uptake.
- The commission plans to promote the consultation via its institutional channels, including social media.
- Community responses cited potential supports such as compute and hosting services, security scanning, documentation and migration help, and new funding mechanisms for maintenance.
What to watch next
- Which concrete EU-level measures or funding mechanisms the commission will adopt following the consultation — not confirmed in the source
- Whether the commission will prioritise particular technology areas as a result of feedback — not confirmed in the source
- How input from the European open-source community and public administrations influences procurement or cybersecurity policy — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Open source: Software whose source code is freely available to use, modify and redistribute under licences that permit those actions.
- Call for evidence: A consultation tool used by authorities to collect information, views and data from stakeholders to inform policy decisions.
- Technological sovereignty: A policy goal aiming to ensure that a jurisdiction can control and depend on its own digital infrastructure, technologies and supply chains.
- Supply-chain security: Measures and practices intended to protect the integrity, availability and trustworthiness of hardware and software components across their lifecycle.
Reader FAQ
Who can respond to the call for evidence?
The commission seeks input from a broad range of stakeholders, including the European open-source community, public administrations, specialised business sectors, the ICT industry, academia and research institutions.
What is the deadline to submit feedback?
Submissions are due by midnight (Brussels time) on February 3, 2026.
Will the commission use this consultation to create funding programs?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which questions should respondents address?
The consultation asks about sector strengths and barriers, added value of open source, EU-level measures, priority technology areas and sectors where open source could increase competitiveness and resilience.
European Commission issues call for evidence on open source [Posted January 7, 2026 by jzb] The European Commission has opened a "call for evidence" to help shape its European Open…
Sources
- European Commission issues call for evidence on open source
- [LWN.net] European Commission issues call for evidence on open source
- EU calls for views on strengthening Europe's open-source …
- EU Launches Call for Evidence on European Open Digital …
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