TL;DR
The European Commission has opened a consultation to shape a new strategy treating open source as core infrastructure, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign (primarily US) technology providers. The Call for Evidence (Jan 6–Feb 3) seeks input on scaling open source across cloud, AI, cybersecurity, open hardware and industrial software.
What happened
Brussels has initiated a Call for Evidence to inform a forthcoming EU strategy it calls 'European Open Digital Ecosystems.' Running from January 6 to February 3, the consultation frames dependence on non-European suppliers as a strategic weakness that limits choice, competitiveness and creates supply-chain vulnerabilities. The Commission argues open source can underpin a diverse set of secure digital solutions that act as alternatives to proprietary platforms and help Europe retain control over its digital stack. Unlike the 2020–2023 effort, which emphasized internal code sharing within EU bodies, the new approach aims to treat open source as an economic and political asset linked to sovereignty, competitiveness and cybersecurity. Areas identified for attention include cloud, AI, cybersecurity, open hardware and industrial software (including applications in automotive and manufacturing). The Commission says previous grant-based programs have struggled to scale projects into sustainable market offerings and is considering incentives, upstream contribution support and measures for start-ups and EU-based open source businesses.
Why it matters
- Reducing reliance on foreign vendors could lower supply-chain and security risks for critical digital infrastructure.
- Treating open source as strategic infrastructure may help Europe develop native alternatives to dominant proprietary platforms.
- A focus on scaling could improve the market viability of EU-funded open source projects and support startups.
- Stronger open-source ecosystems could accelerate standardisation and boost EU competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
Key facts
- The European Commission published a 'Call for Evidence' running from Jan 6 to Feb 3 to gather input on open source policy.
- Brussels estimates that roughly 70–90% of modern software relies on open source components.
- The initiative is positioned as the early stages of a formal strategy dubbed 'European Open Digital Ecosystems.'
- The new approach will revisit the 2020–2023 open source strategy, shifting from internal code sharing to economic and political asset framing.
- Sectors in scope include cloud services, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, open hardware and industrial software (including cars and manufacturing).
- The Commission emphasises scaling and deployment rather than another wave of experimental projects.
- The EC acknowledges that funding alone has not been sufficient to scale many projects from research to market-ready offerings.
- Potential measures under consideration include incentives for upstream contributions, support for EU open source businesses, and help for growing startups.
- Major platform actors and open source bodies have warned that the sustainability of open source infrastructure is under strain (including concerns raised by GitHub and a coalition of open source foundations).
What to watch next
- Publication of the formal 'European Open Digital Ecosystems' strategy and its timeline — not confirmed in the source.
- Specific incentive programs, procurement rules or funding mechanisms to support upstream contribution and scaling — not confirmed in the source.
- Concrete metrics or evaluation methods the Commission will use to measure success for scaling open source across target sectors — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Open source: Software whose source code is made available for anyone to inspect, modify and distribute under an open licence.
- Upstream contribution: The practice of submitting fixes, features or improvements back into a shared open source project rather than keeping changes in a private fork.
- Digital sovereignty: The ability of a state or region to control its own digital infrastructure, data and technology supply chains.
- Supply-chain risk: Vulnerabilities that arise from reliance on third-party components, vendors or services in software and infrastructure.
- Open hardware: Hardware designs that are publicly shared so others can study, modify and manufacture them.
Reader FAQ
What is the Call for Evidence?
A public consultation launched by the European Commission (Jan 6–Feb 3) to gather input that will inform a new open source strategy.
Is the EU treating open source as critical infrastructure now?
The Commission proposes treating open source as core infrastructure tied to sovereignty and competitiveness, but formal policy details are still being developed.
Which technology areas are covered?
The consultation lists cloud, AI, cybersecurity, open hardware and industrial software, including automotive and manufacturing applications.
Will the EU mandate use of European open source software?
Not confirmed in the source.
Does the plan include new funding?
The Commission says funding alone has not solved scaling problems and is considering incentives and support measures, but specific new funding commitments are not confirmed in the source.
SOFTWARE Brussels plots open source push to pry Europe off Big Tech Call for Evidence casts FOSS as a way to break US dependence Carly Page Sun 11 Jan 2026 // 09:26 UTC The…
Sources
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