= The Document Foundation and the FSFE strengthen their relationship =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2016/news-20160817-01.en.html ]
The Free Software Foundation (FSFE) is joining the Advisory Board of The Document Foundation[1]. At the same time, The Document Foundation is becoming an associated organisation of the FSFE[2].
The Free Software Foundation Europe's aim is to help people control technology instead of the other way around. However, this is a goal which no single organisation can achieve on its own. Associated organisations are entities that share the FSFE's vision and support the foundation and Free Software in general by encouraging people to use and develop Free Software, by helping organisations understand how Free Software contributes to freedom, transparency and self-determination, and by removing barriers to Free Software adoption.
With this mutual expression of support, both organisations strengthen one another in their fight to keep the general public in the technological driver's seat. While the FSFE embodies the principles of the community movement working in support of the adoption of Free Software in companies, public administrations and for private citizens, the Document Foundation turns principles and ethics into actual products, putting a first class, fully-featured, and completely free productivity suite in the hands of users.
"We are happy to welcome the Free Software Foundation Europe as a member of our Advisory Board. Together, we will able to further develop the adoption of Free Software in Europe, amongst public administrations and enterprises", said Eike Rathke, a Director of The Document Foundation[3] and a long time Free Software advocate and hacker.
"We believe it is important to join forces with all the organisations active in Free Software around Europe," said Matthias Kirschner[4], President of the Free Software Foundation Europe, "and work together to reach our common goals. With our associated organisations we want to show that we are a strong and cohesive movement, and we work to achieve common objectives. To do this, we exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, motivate each other, and find opportunities to work together on specific projects. This is the case with The Document Foundation, steward of one of the most successful Free Software projects: LibreOffice".