-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Support needed for Free Software in EU Consultation
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:21:53 +0200
From: Bonnie Mehring <[email protected]>
Hej
The European Commission has recently cut the funding for the Next
Generation Internet (NGI), which supports Free Software projects, by €27
million [1]. This underscores the fragility and precarious nature of
funding for Free Software and the need for sustainable support has
become more evident than ever. We encourage you, as hackerspace, to join
us in safeguarding the future of software freedom by participating in
the ongoing consultation for the Digital Europe Programme [2].
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
non-transparent and unclear process behind the Next Generation Internet
(NGI) funding cuts.
The deadline of the consultation is 20 September (midnight Brussels
time). We already participated [3] and 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, ensuring financial support
for related projects and ecosystems. Sustainable, long-term funding will
enhance independence, resilience, control, security, and sovereignty.
The Digital Europe Programme could only unfold its full potential if it
is systematically focusing on the support of 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.
If you are willing to participate in the consultation and support the
proposal for Free Software funding, please let us know via email
[email protected]
Best Regards,
Bonnie
[1] https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240719-01.html
[2]
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13880-Digital-Europe-programme-interim-evaluation/public-consultation_en
[3] https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240911-02.html
--
Bonnie Mehring - Project manager -
Free Software Foundation Europe
Schönhauser Allee 6/7, 10119 Berlin, Germany | t +49-30-27595290
Registered at Amtsgericht Hamburg, VR 17030 |(fsfe.org/support)
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