Info
The EU is asking for feedback on its open source strategy. Here is my suggestion. Please send your feedback via Mastodon.
Initial situation
As a software developer, I face a fundamental dilemma: developing high-quality open-source software—such as my end-to-end encrypted video conferencing solution Briefing—requires a considerable investment of time and capital. Without sustainable funding, my only option is commercial exploitation, even though I would prefer to make the software completely free and continue to develop it intensively. This problem affects numerous developers in Europe.
Core idea
The EU should establish a permanent funding system that promotes open source development through performance-based remuneration. Specifically, I propose an EU-operated platform (comparable to GitHub or Codeberg.org) that distributes funding based on measurable success criteria.
How it works
The platform would evaluate the usefulness and quality of projects using objective metrics:
- Community engagement (ratings, stars)
- Technical reach (integration into other projects, downloads)
- Maintenance quality (responding to issues, fixing bugs)
- Documentation and support
Funding would be distributed proportionally, with upper limits per project/person to prevent abuse.
Benefits for all involved
- For developers: Direct link between performance and remuneration; opportunity to focus entirely on open source development
- For the EU: Building digital sovereignty; control over quality standards (e.g., EUPL licensing, developer verification); promotion of European innovation; reduction of dependence on non-European platforms
- For society: Access to secure, transparent software; strengthening of the European tech ecosystem
Conclusion
This initiative would create systematic incentives for the development of high-quality open source software while promoting European values such as transparency, data protection, and digital sovereignty.
Published on February 2, 2026