I’ve long advocated for open source as the best path forward for the EU — not just technically, but strategically to cut reliance on non-EU tech giants and to avoid vendor lock in.
The latest proof supporting this is the Commission’s fresh “Call for Evidence” on Towards European Open Digital Ecosystems (launched Jan 6, open until Feb 3, 2026). Open source isn’t optional anymore — it’s central to EU tech sovereignty, competitiveness, and cybersecurity.
According to The Commission’s “Call for Evidence”, they mention a key stat which is also supporting this strategic move: “Open source powers 70-90% of code in today’s digital world“.
Yet dependencies on non-EU solutions limit choice, innovation, and security. The EU wants to change that with sovereign alternatives in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, automotive, and more.
Why does this Matter for Businesses that EU is actively seeking input on?
– Strengths/weaknesses of EU open source & main barriers
– Added value (cost, risk, lock-in, security, innovation—give examples!)
– Concrete EU measures (funding, partnerships, etc.)
– Priority tech areas & sectors for max impact
1️⃣ Open Source as a Strategic Asset
The EU is accelerating the adoption of open-source solutions across both public and private sectors — not just as a cost-effective alternative, but as a strategic enabler for innovation and control.
For example, organizations leveraging open-source platforms like Kubernetes for container orchestration gain not only flexibility and scalability but also reduced dependency on proprietary cloud providers, aligning perfectly with the EU’s sovereignty goals.
This means that if you aren’t evaluating open-source tools, you risk being “left behind” on proprietary solutions while the EU and global competitors move forward with open-source innovation. This isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about choosing sovereignty, resilience, and future-proofing over dependency and rigidity.
2️⃣ New Opportunities for IT & Process Optimization
The EU’s focus on cybersecurity, AI, and cloud means demand will increase for professionals who can implement, scale, and secure open-source solutions.
Knowledge about ITSM, infrastructure and IT-solutions will be critical as organizations transition to open-source ecosystems – with process optimisation being the key to successful adoption, now would be a good time to focus on increasing your level of knowledge.
3️⃣ Collaboration Over Competition
The EU is calling for public-private partnerships to scale open-source projects. This is a chance for businesses to co-create solutions that align with EU standards and values — transparency, interoperability, and resilience.
This means that organisations must consider how they can either contribute to or benefit from this collaborative ecosystem.
4️⃣ Reduced Dependency, Increased Control
Open source isn’t about cost savings — it’s about ownership, security, and flexibility. The EU’s push for sovereignty means businesses that adopt open source will be better positioned to avoid vendor lock-in and adapt to evolving regulations.
Your Call to Action
The EU is listening — and this is your chance to influence the direction of open source in Europe. Whether you’re an IT leader, a developer, or a decision-maker, here’s how you can engage:
💡 Share your insights on the EU’s consultation: Link to Have Your Say portal
💡 Evaluate open-source tools for your next project — start small, but start now.
💡 Join the discussion — what barriers have you faced with open source? What opportunities do you see?
Points to ponder:
How is your organization preparing for this shift?
What open-source projects or tools are you exploring?
Do you see open source as a risk or an opportunity for your business?
#OpenSource #EUTechSovereignty #ITLeadership #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #ProcessOptimization
