The EU’s Digital Omnibus proposal promises simplification. Conversely, it could lower data protection standards, and risks to undermine European digital sovereignty goals.
Category: EU Policy
European Open Digital Ecosystems: strategic advantage of Open Source
When the European Commission published its public consultation for a Communication “Towards European open digital ecosystems” on 6 January, hundrets of submissions came in within the first days. Yesterday, the consultation closed, with 1658 submissions one of the highest contribution rates ever. APELL welcomes the Commission’s display of support for the Open Source ecosystem and...
Public Procurement revision: shift investments to Open Source
In its submission to the Commission’s public consultation on public procurement, APELL welcomes the Commission’s efforts and recommends a shift in public investments towards Open Source, and with it a priority for the broader policy goal of increasing digital sovereignty in the European Union.
Product regulation must take Open Source business needs into account
In an effort to reflect the recent focus on software and other digital products in various product legislation, the Commission has asked for evidence on what the public considers important when overhauling the so-called “New Legislative Framework” (NLF). APELL has submitted two important suggestions to the Commission: Reflect Open Source business models In recent legislation...
APELL supports more openness, accessibility and Open Source representation in European Standardisation
Brussels, 18 July 2025. APELL welcomes the European Commission’s ambition to revise the framework of European Standardisation. In its submission, APELL calls for more representation of the Open Source ecosystem in the development of European Standards, and encourages a more open development process that lowers the barriers for participation. With its call for evidence for...
APELL recommends 100% Open Source by 2035
Brussels, 07 July 2025. In its submission to the public consultation on the Cloud and AI Development Act, APELL asks the European Commission to buy 100% Open Source by 2035 using public procurement. Last week, the European Commission’s public consultation on the “AI Continent” initiative ended. It especially looks for input on the Cloud and AI...
APELL urges the European Commission to take decisive action to towards sovereign digital infrastructure
Brussels, 17 March 2025. APELL – The European Open Source Software Business Association joins almost 100 partners in the EuroStack initiative, calling for a decisive committment to sovereign digital infrastructure. In the context of unprecedented international challenges, we urge the Commission to take action towards sovereign digital infrastructure.
APELL submission to the Public procurement directives evaluation
In its submission to the ongoing call for evidence and public consultation on the Public procurement directives, APELL recommends that in all IT procurement, Open Source be the default, that joint procurement be further encouraged, and that it also inform the IT practices of public authorities themselves by making sharing the default.
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...
APELL Statement on the CRA
APELL Releases Official Statement on Cyber Resilience Act, Advocating for Open-Source Solutions and Digital Sovereignty In a critical move to influence cybersecurity policy and advance digital sovereignty, APELL has released its official Statement on the Cyber Resilience Act. The statement emphasizes the crucial role of open-source solutions in enhancing cyber resilience and promoting digital sovereignty...