EC cuts funding support for Free Software projects
The Next Generation Internet initiative has supported Free Software
projects with funding and technical assistance since 2018. Despite its
proven success, the European Commission made the decision to cut this
funding in the current draft for the Horizon Europe 2025 Work
Programme. This decision highlights the larger problem of the lack of
motivated and sustainable public funding for Free Software projects.
The Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative has been a project of
the European Commission’s (EC) Horizon Europe programme since 2018. It
provides funding for scientific research and innovation that can
improve the Internet as a platform, including for the development of
Free Software. The FSFE has always been a part of this initiative as a
consortium member in the NGI Zero (NGI0) sub-group, where we provide
legal and licensing support to more than 400 Free Software projects
funded by the initiative.
As the EC works on the future plans for Horizon Europe, the FSFE is
disappointed to learn that NGI is no longer mentioned as part of the
plans for the Horizon Europe funding drafts and work programmes for
2025. The lack of public funding to such crucial technologies
negatively impacts not only Free Software but the whole future of the
Internet.
A blow to the vast NGI ecosystem
NGI is structured to
support a large number of organizations and individuals working on open
digital technologies, through open calls and a
cascade funding system. Through this system, the NGI allocates its
budget to fund crucial open technologies of the Internet. Open assets
include Free Software, Open Hardware, Open Data, Privacy Enhancing
Technologies, AI, networking, and many more. Under the previous Horizon
Europe Cluster 4 Work Programme, spanning from 2023-2025, €27
million have been allocated to these projects.
The FSFE has over the past years seen the wide array of
Free Software projects funded by NGI, that support, in their mission,
values that promote privacy, security, diversity in opinion and
participation, as well as choice in the digital sphere, among others.
These are values we view to support democratic participation online,
and to enable users to better control their digital technology. NGI
funding support was also crucial for the FSFE to develop better
copyright and licensing practices for software projects, making
compliance easier for everyone.
This cascade funding system is however
not renewed in the current draft proposal for Horizon Europe 2025,
which will have the unfortunate effect of depriving many Free Software
projects (and other types of beneficial research and innovation
projects) of vital funding. This has us worried about the future of
many of these ongoing grassroots level Free Software (and other)
projects.
Where did the funding go?
An impact
study finds that NGI projects have been immensely positive in
providing funding and
technical support for a diverse range of open projects, and in
fostering an internet ecosystem that respects digital rights, promotes
sustainability, and upholds EU legislation and values. Indeed, in
practical terms, the study also notes that from the over 1,000 projects
that received funding, 57% offer “viable alternatives to existing
market solutions”, and 74% continue to operate post-funding.
Given
these positives achieved by the NGI initiative at large, it is
disappointing and baffling to see the decision to discontinue funding
for it. Without the Horizon Europe 2025 umbrella, NGI is now left
without alternative funding, which will harm the Free Software
ecosystem and therefore, EU innovation. The reasons for this shift in
budget away from funding Free Software and the NGI initiative seems to
be an allocation of more funds for AI, leaving internet infrastructure
by the wayside. Meanwhile, the
EC has thus far declined to comment to
share its official reasoning for striking this funding from its budget.
The future of an open Internet needs public funding
Funding is an important component in nurturing new Free Software
technologies, and often makes the difference for whether a Free
Software project is able to survive, succeed, or fall into abandonware.
This is a particular problem because large parts of our infrastructure
are based on these projects, as they guarantee the necessary
independence and resilience. Cancelling funding means curtailing our
own autonomy. This debate once again demonstrates a fundamental
problem: We need sustainable, secure, and dedicated funding for NGI and
Free Software solutions that help Europe to control its technology.
With the EU attempting to create fairer and more competitive markets
with the Digital Markets Act,
boosting alternative business models that
challenge large, monopolistic, and consolidated digital platforms (also
known as “gatekeepers”) is essential. Free Software is key for
achieving such ambitious objectives. Public money is therefore more
important than ever to support Free Software alternatives in internet
infrastructure. It is impossible to achieve Device Neutrality, and a
free and open internet without the commitment of the public sector to
maintain a vigorous and sustainable ecosystem of viable and real-life
tested software alternatives that can disentrench gatekeepers.
We therefore call for these funds to be made available again immediately
and for funding to be secured in the medium to long term. This is the
only way to successfully drive the digitalisation of Europe forward.
What you can do to help
The budget decision is not yet official - so there is still a chance
to allocate funds for NGI. It is therefore very important to contact
Ursula von der Leyen (President EU Commission), DG Connect, to ask them to make the funds
available.
Pressure is also needed from member states. Contact your National
Contact Point (NCP) and persuade them to also advocate for the NGI
funds to be made available.
Support FSFE