[FSFE PR][EN] Anchor Free Software in the 2022 German Federal Budget!

[press at fsfe.org]

 = Anchor Free Software in the 2022 German Federal Budget! =

[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2022/news-20220328-01.en.html ]

The traffic light coalition must anchor its goals for the digitisation
of Germany, based on Free Software, as set out in the coalition
agreement in the 2022 federal budget. Otherwise, there is a risk of
cementing dependencies on individual vendors and losing sovereignty and
innovative power.

Together with other associations and organisations such as the Open
Source Business Alliance and the Open Knowledge Foundation Germany, the
Free Software Foundation Europe calls for, the Free Software Foundation
Europe (FSFE) demands to include digital sovereignty in the 2022 federal
budget and implement already announced initiatives for software freedom.
In an open letter, the signatories address the government groups in the
Bundestag and demand that the goals for the digitalisation of Germany,
based on Free Software, as set out in the coalition agreement, also be
anchored in the 2022 federal budget.

/"The right goal in the coalition agreement to advance digitisation
through the use of Free Software must also be reflected in the
government's concrete actions. Otherwise, there is a risk of cementing
dependencies on individual vendors and losing sovereignty and innovative
power. Digitisation that focuses on independence, sustainability, crisis
resistance and economic success can only be achieved through the
implementation of Free Software. The traffic light coalition is called
upon to provide necessary funds in the federal budget to prevent
digitalisation from failing," explains Alexander Sander, Policy
Consultant at FSFE./  Free Software gives everyone the right to use,
study, share and improve applications for any purpose. These freedoms
ensure that similar applications do not have to be programmed from
scratch every time and, thanks to transparent processes, others do not
have to reinvent the wheel. In large projects, expertise and costs can
be shared and applications paid for by the general public are available
to all. This promotes innovation and saves tax payers money in the
medium to long term. Dependencies on vendors are minimised and security
issues can be fixed more easily. The Free Software Foundation Europe,
together with over 200 organisations, is therefore calling for "Public
Money? Public Code!" - If it is public money, it should be public code
as well. More information on the initiative: https://publiccode.eu/ [1]

The open letter "Consider digital sovereignty in the 2022 federal
budget" can be found here [2].

 1: https://publiccode.eu/
 2: https://download.fsfe.org/policy/letters/20220328-German-Budget-and-Free-Software-2022.de.pdf

  == About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==

  Free Software Foundation Europe is a charity that empowers users to
  control technology. Software is deeply involved in all aspects of our
  lives; and it is important that this technology empowers rather than
  restricts us. Free Software gives everybody the rights to use,
  understand, adapt and share software. These rights help support other
  fundamental freedoms like freedom of speech, press and privacy.

  The FSFE helps individuals and organisations understand how Free
  Software contributes to freedom, transparency and self-determination. We
  enhance users' rights by abolishing barriers to Free Software adoption,
  encourage people to use and develop Free Software, and provide resources
  to enable everyone to further promote Free Software in Europe.

  https://fsfe.org