APELL position on the future of Next Generation Internet (NGI) funding
The Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative, currently funded from the Horizon Europe programme, has supported Open Source Software projects that contribute directly to Europe's digital and technological sovereignty, and provide opportunities for businesses from various sectors and technological innovation made in Europe.
In summer, a draft of the new Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2025 was published. As APELL – The European Open Source Software Business Association, we are concerned that this draft no longer mentioned NGI, creating much uncertainty not only for those projects currently funded under NGI, but for the future of Open Source funding within the EU budget. APELL member CNLL has published a more detailed assessment.
What sets NGI apart from other instruments is its ability to support a wide variety of impactful Open Source projects through its adaptive cascade funding mechanism that has opened funding up to individual developers, micro-enterprises, and start-ups: 80% of recipients had never received funding before.
APELL emphasises the strategic importance of continued investment in the Open Source ecosystem for Europe.
The Open Source ecosystem creates innovation that elevates Europe's technological sovereignty
APELL and its members represent several hundred Open Source businesses, ranging from micro to small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as public administrations. Together with research organisations, individual developers and creators, this European ecosystem creates innovation through reliable and resilient solutions. Member States' governments and public administrations benefit from secure, interoperable and transparent software, hardware and services. Together, the Open Source ecosystem that we represent helps elevate Europe's technological sovereignty.
Commission and Member States must recognise the strategic importance of the Open Source ecosystem
The European Commission itself relies on, maintains, and contributes to Open Source projects to provide its services. It is a role model for the sharing of solutions for public administrations throughout the EU, and serves as an example for the benefits of interoperability also worldwide.
By way of including Open Source in the discussions on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, the related programming legislation, and the implementation of budgets at EU and national levels, the incoming Commission and the Member States must recognise the strategic importance of the Open Source ecosystem and its business models for the European single market and continue its engagement to support them with a long-term commitment in the EU budget.
