BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) calls on the European Commission to ensure that the future European Open Digital Ecosystems Strategy reflects the global, collaborative nature of open-source software and maintains a technologically neutral approach to innovation, without prioritizing open-source solutions over proprietary software (or vice-versa).

In its input to the Commission's Call for Evidence, BSA emphasizes the importance of software portability and reusability, interoperable innovation, and cross-border cooperation. BSA also cautions against policy approaches that impose geographic restrictions or favor specific software models, as these could undermine these principles.

"Open source depends on global collaboration and the ability to deploy and reuse software seamlessly across borders," said Alice Stradi, Senior Manager - Policy, EMEA at BSA. "The Strategy should reflect these realities by maintaining technological neutrality and enabling organizations to use the solutions that best meet their operational and security needs."

BSA also highlights the value of structured engagement with global open source stakeholders, targeted support for open-source infrastructure, and strong public-private partnerships across the digital stack. BSA will continue to work with policymakers and stakeholders to support policy frameworks that foster innovation, interoperability, and competitiveness in Europe's digital economy.