OSI Europe Foundation is an independent sister organisation to the Open Source Initiative (OSI), a global charity that has been at the heart of the Open Source community for over 25 years and is recognized worldwide as the authority that defines Open Source.
OSI Europe Foundation exists to ensure that Open Source software can thrive across Europe by engaging directly with European policy and decision‑making.
The OSI Europe Foundation is registered as a Stichting (Foundation) under Dutch law; with the Chamber of Commerce registration number NL-98016504 and EU transparency register number 5258685100414-30.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote software freedom and the adoption and use of Open Source software in Europe through:
- Education: helping policymakers understand how Open Source works and why it matters
- Advocacy: representing the interests of Open Source communities and ecosystems
- Policy engagement: contributing expertise to European legislative and regulatory processes
We work to ensure that European laws and policies enable, rather than unintentionally hinder, Open Source development, collaboration, and adoption.
Why OSI Europe Foundation
Open Source software underpins Europe’s digital infrastructure, from public services and research to startups, industry, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Yet many laws affecting software are written without a full understanding of how Open Source is created, maintained, and shared.
As European legislation increasingly targets software and products with digital elements, there is a growing need for:
- Clear, expert input on Open Source licensing and governance
- Representation of community‑driven development models
- Policy frameworks that support collaboration, transparency, and innovation
OSI Europe Foundation was created to meet this need, bridging the gap between Open Source communities and European lawmakers.
Policy Focus Areas
OSI Europe Foundation focuses on legislation that directly or indirectly affects Open Source software, including but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)
- Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
- Product Liability Directive / AI Liability frameworks
- Data Act
- Digital Markets Act (DMA)
- Other legislation concerning software, digital products, and digital infrastructure
We also engage on tangential but critical policy areas, such as:
- Copyright and licensing
- Public procurement and Open Source adoption
- Standards, interoperability, and digital sovereignty
- Any legislative initiatives with a material impact on Open Source software
Our goal is to ensure that these policies recognize Open Source as a public good and support its continued sustainability.
What We Do
Policy Engagement
We engage directly with European institutions and policymakers to provide practical, experience‑based insight into Open Source software. This includes:
- One‑on‑one meetings with lawmakers and their staff
- Responding to consultations and calls for evidence
- Participating in expert discussions and working groups
Outreach & Education
A core part of our work is informing legislators about Open Source, while also helping Open Source communities understand policy developments that may affect them.
Our activities include:
- Organising and participating in events within European institutions
- Publishing policy briefs, position papers, and educational resources
- Speaking at conferences and policy forums across Europe
Building Bridges
OSI Europe Foundation serves as a connector between:
- Open Source developers, maintainers, and communities
- Businesses and public sector organisations using Open Source
- European lawmakers and regulators
By fostering dialogue, we aim to support laws that enable wider Open Source adoption, leading to increased innovation, transparency, and societal benefit.
Our Relationship with OSI
OSI Europe Foundation is an independent organisation and a sister organisation to the Open Source Initiative (OSI).
We share OSI’s core values and commitment to software freedom, while focusing specifically on European policy and advocacy. Together, we strengthen the global Open Source ecosystem through complementary roles.
Get Involved
Open Source policy affects everyone who builds, uses, or relies on Open Source software.
We welcome engagement from:
- Open Source communities and maintainers
- Companies and public sector organisations
- Policymakers, researchers, and civil society
Our Recent Activities
Explore our latest blog posts to learn more about OSI Europe Foundation’s recent activities, policy engagement, and community work. Our blog highlights key developments in EU digital legislation, Open Source advocacy efforts, and insights from our ongoing collaboration with policymakers, stakeholders, and the Open Source community across Europe.
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OSI welcomes the European Union’s “Tech Sovereignty” package
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Open Source Initiative Helps G7 Deliver Vision On AI Openness
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Europe’s Open Source Opportunity: our vision for the EU Open Digital Ecosystems strategy
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Open Source at the Heart of Europe’s (and the World’s) Digital Future