-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Support needed for Free Software in EU Consultation Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:21:53 +0200 From: Bonnie Mehring <bonnie@fsfe.org> 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 contact@fsfe.org 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/13... [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)