Why open source is Europe's path to digital sovereignty

Imagine building your digital infrastructure on land you don't own. No matter how robust your systems, you're subject to external rules and recurring fees. While these providers ensure functionality, any request for foundational changes often goes unanswered. 

In this article, I'll explore the challenges of digital dependence and how open-source solutions can empower Europe to reclaim its digital sovereignty.

• The cost of dependence on non-European tech
  • Risks to data privacy and control
• Europe can reclaim its digital sovereignty through open-source solutions
• Open source and open standards are the backbone of digital sovereignty
  • Key values of open source
    • #1 Transparency 
    • #2 Reusability 
    • #3 Freedom from dependency
    • #4 Collaboration
• A showcase for Europe's digital future

The cost of dependence on non-European tech

Europe's dependence on foreign digital solutions, particularly from non-European providers, poses significant risks. Trade disputes and sanctions can destabilize our digital networks, impacting the broader economy. Moreover, cyberattacks have surged, with the UK alone experiencing a doubling of significant incidents in 2024. This underscores the urgency for Europe to enhance its digital autonomy and safeguard democratic values online.

European businesses and governments spend a huge €20 billion each year on Microsoft 365. They also spend nearly €30 billion on Hyperscalers and over €4 billion on VMware licenses. This spending is all the more striking given that Hyperscalers’ revenues grew by 500% between 2017 and 2022. They continue to grow at more than 10% each year.

As the CEO of XWiki SAS, I believe that true innovation comes from working together. I have dedicated my career to supporting this idea. It also comes from the freedom to create without limits. Today, more than ever, I’m convinced that open source is the rocket fuel Europe needs to steer its own digital destiny. 

Achieving digital sovereignty is a journey, not a destination. Invest in local technology, support our developer communities, and take back control of our data. When your tools cost billions and your freedom is at risk, that’s not a digital strategy — it’s digital dependence. 

Risks to data privacy and control

Beyond the financial aspects, there's the critical issue of data sovereignty. Using services from non-European providers often leads to storing and processing sensitive data outside the EU.

This data is then subject to foreign laws and rules. This raises concerns about following the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It also raises worries about foreign entities accessing data without permission.

Ensuring that our data remains within European jurisdiction is paramount for maintaining privacy and security standards. Even more, considering the solid European open-source alternatives to proprietary software.

The strengths of open source lie in its transparency, reusability, independence from vendor lock-in, and collaborative nature.

Europe can reclaim its digital sovereignty through open-source solutions

I've spent decades advocating for open-source alternatives to proprietary software, and today they exist in virtually every technology sector. During the COVID crisis, we saw the rapid deployment of BigBlueButton's open-source video conferencing software when European organizations needed reliable solutions.

As Broadcom increases VMware pricing, alternatives like Proxmox, XCP-NG, and OpenStack are gaining well-deserved momentum.

Germany's openDesk initiative exemplifies how open-source solutions are advancing in the collaborative tools space, offering a sovereign alternative to proprietary suites like Microsoft 365. By integrating established open-source solutions such as Collabora Online for document editing, Nextcloud for file sharing, OpenProject for project management, CryptPad for secure collaboration, and XWiki for knowledge management, openDesk provides a comprehensive, secure, and transparent digital workplace tailored for public administration.

Proprietary giants might offer ready-made solutions, but every update, every price hike, every geopolitical tug of war reminds us how fragile that convenience can be. 

Open source and open standards are the backbone of digital sovereignty

When we discuss the foundations of a digitally sovereign Europe, we're addressing more than just software licenses or code repositories. Europe must build a resilient digital infrastructure grounded in open source and open standards. This approach is not merely a technical preference but a strategic necessity. By embracing these pillars, Europe can accelerate its technological transformation and regain control of its digital future.

Key values of open source

#1 Transparency 

Open source makes its source code available to everyone, which enables rigorous verification of security and compliance with European standards.

#2 Reusability 

Open source is built on the idea of shared knowledge. Developers and organizations across Europe have the opportunity to build solutions based on open bricks, without requesting prior authorization, thus fostering a great capacity for innovation.

#3 Freedom from dependency

Proprietary software locks users into specific ecosystems, and those locks come with financial and strategic risks. With open source, organizations retain full control over their tools and infrastructure. This protects players against price rises or the formation of vertical monopolies.

#4 Collaboration

Across the European Union, countries can collaborate on software infrastructure without duplicating efforts. By sharing the investment burden, we can create high-quality, open digital tools that serve all Europeans. Open source enables a model of cooperation that perfectly aligns with the EU’s own vision of unity, whether it's shared repositories, joint development efforts, or European-wide innovation programs.

By investing in open-source software, Europe can regain control over its technology. This will also help create long-term economic growth. Using a European open-source solution would help startups, small businesses, and public institutions grow with trusted, open components. This approach supports cross-border collaboration, reduces barriers to entry, and helps retain tech talent within Europe.

A showcase for Europe's digital future

For over 20 years, I've witnessed Europe's digital landscape evolve from the front lines as XWiki's CEO. What began as a technical movement has transformed into an existential imperative for our continent's future. European institutions that embrace open source gain not just cost savings, but true digital autonomy.

Events like the Open Source Experience (OSXP) 2025 are important for everyone who values Europe's digital independence. As Chairman of the OSXP 2025 Programme Committee, I will bring my vision and experience to enrich discussions on Europe’s strategic autonomy through open source.

The conference will highlight French and European expertise, showcasing the impressive range of open-source solutions already available from ecosystem partners while demonstrating our continent's innovative engineering capabilities.

Now, more than ever, Europe must assertively pursue digital autonomy. The open-source sector is now fully prepared to meet this challenge. OSXP 2025 will demonstrate how open source effectively addresses Europe's strategic needs by showcasing successful existing solutions and presenting innovative, transparent, and collaborative new options.

The question is no longer whether Europe needs digital sovereignty, but how quickly we can achieve it together.

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