The report “Open Source as a Strategic Advantage for Europe” has been published.
This report, produced by The Linux Foundation, highlights the growing importance of open source software (OSS) in Europe, elevating it from a mere technical consideration to a strategic imperative for digital sovereignty and autonomy in the region. Based on a survey of 316 European organizations and 14 interviews with experts, the document reveals a landscape of transition.
Key points and findings: Widespread adoption, varying maturity: 64% of European organizations use open source software for operating systems and 55% for cloud technologies. However, only 34% have a formal open source strategy and a mere 22% have established Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs).¹
Strategic value and contribution: 56% of respondents believe that the benefits of open source outweigh the costs. While 42% of organizations actively contribute to the projects they rely on, 30% simply use it without contributing. Among those that do employ full-time contributors for open source (28%), 81% see “very high” or “high” value in this investment.
Digital sovereignty: Open source is considered a critical factor for digital sovereignty, providing greater control over European technology stacks and mitigating dependence on foreign vendors. There is a proposal to create a sovereign technology agency at the EU level, similar to Germany’s (STA), to fund the maintenance of essential open source projects.
Cybersecurity and regulation: The EU’s new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) has put software security in the spotlight. However, 62% of respondents report low familiarity with the law. Certifications such as ISO 27001 (29%) and third-party audits (26%) are the most trusted indicators of the security of an open source solution.
AI opportunities: The growth of open source AI is seen as an opportunity to increase Europe’s competitiveness. The region boasts a vibrant research and startup ecosystem, but the need for increased investment to support and scale these businesses is highlighted.
About the Source and Preparation
This summary was prepared based on the report “Open Source as Europe’s Strategic Advantage: Trends, Barriers, and Priorities for the European Open Source Community amid Regulatory and Geopolitical Shifts,” published in August 2025 by The Linux Foundation.
You can download the document here: Final report – WorldofOS_EUSpotlight_2025_081525
