Free software in the EU needs your help! Join the international effort before September 20

Free software development in the European Union needs sustainable funding. Right now, EU citizens have until September 20 to participate in an ongoing consultation for the Digital Europe Programme. Below is more information on how you and your organization can advocate for long-term support for free software in the EU, joining a similar call from Free Software Foundation Europe.

In light of the recent €27 million cut in Next Generation Internet initiative (NGI) funding, which has underscored the fragility and precarious nature of funding for free software, the need for long-term, sustainable support has become more evident than ever. Join the Free Software Foundation and Free Software Foundation Europe in our efforts to safeguard the future of software freedom by participating in the ongoing consultation for the Digital Europe Programme.

This consultation presents a key opportunity to advocate for stable funding and ensure free software remains a priority in Europe’s digital strategy. Collective action is vital, especially in light of the opaque and unclear process behind the NGI funding cuts.

The deadline of the consultation is September 20, midnight Brussels time (00:00 UTC+2), so swift action is required. Here are some key points to consider while submitting the consultation:

• Software is integral to every aspect of our lives. It’s essential that this technology empowers, not restricts, by granting everyone the right to use, understand, adapt, and share software.

• We urge the EU to prioritise free software, and ensure financial support for related projects. Sustainable, long-term funding will enhance independence, resilience, control, security, and sovereignty.

• The Digital Europe Programme can only reach its full potential if it systematically focuses on supporting free software solutions. Free software is crucial to avoiding future dependencies and lock-ins. By adopting a “free software-first” approach, the EU can ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently, fostering collaboration and interoperability across Europe. If it’s public money, it should be public code.

We urge you to participate in the consultation by September 20. Unfortunately, the suggested method to participate in the consultation requires nonfree JavaScript. We recommend running it only after careful consideration. Although we have not verified this, you may also be able to submit feedback by writing the Programme team directly.