OSS + ELC EU 2026

Everyone is talking about digital sovereignty - but what happens when a federal state takes this concept seriously? In 2025, Berlin adopted an Open Source strategy to achieve innovation and digital independence through OSS, open standards, and collaboration.
We report on how this strategy came about and what its implementation means in a complex administrative landscape. Seven measures form the backbone—from establishing an OSPO at ITDZ Berlin to identifying critical software dependencies to giving Open Source priority in procurement law. Behind each measure lie organizational, cultural, and legal challenges.
What are the low-hanging fruits? Where do strategies reach their limits? And how do you keep a “learning” strategy alive - rather than letting it fizzle out? An honest account of progress and setbacks that shows what others - whether government agencies or companies - can learn from Berlin’s Open Source journey.