Fwd: [By 2024-09-20] Support needed for Free Software in EU Consultation

[Paul Brown]

Hi all,

Many of you will be aware of this, but the open letter (https://kde.org/
announcements/2024_ngi_openletter/) we signed and supported did not have the 
desired effect and we are still not in the clear.

Unfortunately this will have a dampening effect on all KDE, not only those 
projects developed by EU contributors.

Please share and, if you are an EU citizen, participate in the consultation 
and surveys and help keep FLOSS funded.

Cheers

Paul

----------  Forwarded Message  ----------

Subject: [By 2024-09-20] Support needed for Free Software in EU Consultation
Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024, 12:13:24 CEST
From: Lina Ceballos <lina.ceballos at fsfe.org>
To: eu-foss-policy at lists.fsfe.org

Dear all,

In light of the recent €27 million cut in NGI funding[1], which has
underscored the fragility and precarious nature of funding for Free
Software, the need for long-term, sustainable support has become more
evident than ever. We would like to encourage you to help 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, in an individual capacity, or your organisation is willing to
participate in the consultation and support the proposal for Free
Software funding, please let us know via email contact at fsfe.org

Best regards,
Lina

[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
-- 
Lina Ceballos - Policy Project Manager
Free Software Foundation Europe
Schönhauser Allee 6/7, 10119 Berlin, Germany | t +49-30-27595290
Registered at Amtsgericht Hamburg, VR 17030  | https://fsfe.org/support
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