FSFE Timeline - Working for Free Software since 2001
With the support of our Supporters, and our corporate donors FSFE has been promoting and defending all aspects of software freedom in Europe since 2001. Take a look at our most important achievements in different areas with our timeline.
In the timeline we differ between the FSFE's activity frames "Device Neutrality" ♺, "Legal Education" ⚖, "Market Regulations" 🗠 , "Public Money? Public Code" 🏛, "Volunteer Engagement" 📣, "Young Generation" 👾, plus "Organisational Development" 🤝.
2025
👾︎ Ada & Zangemann animated movie released
The FSFE's book Ada & Zangemann - was adapted into an animated movie, reaching new audiences worldwide. The movie marked a significant step in the FSFE's long-term strategy to engage with the young generation about software freedom.
Learn more🗠 The FSFE channels community input on Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The FSFE and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) worked together with representatives from civil society, academia, industry and public authorities in a project on the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and its implication for Free Software.
Learn more⚖︎ Launch of Refund4Freedom Initiative
The FSFE and the Italian Linux Society jointly launched Refund4Freedom, a new initiative supporting consumers in reclaiming the cost of unwanted Windows licences bundled with new hardware.
Learn more⚖︎ Launch of Legal Corner column
The FSFE launched the Legal Corner, a regular column that seeks to explain various legal concepts that Free Software developers may encounter, as well as explore current events in the legal realm that impact Free Software.
Learn more🤝︎ Define our Vision 2048
The FSFE discussed what the world might would look like in the different areas of our work in 2048 and took significant strides toward this vision.
Learn more2024
♻ Several victories for Router Freedom and launched the tech wiki
The FSFE participated and monitored regulatory processes in Germany, Austria, Italy and Belgium. Also we introduced the new Router Freedom tech wiki, prepared by our Netherlands team of volunteers.
Learn more♻ Litigation Against Apple's DMA Non-Compliance
The FSFE intervenes in litigation brought by Apple against the European Commission before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Learn more🗠 The FSFE called for public sustainable long-term funding
The FSFE responded to the EU's cut of funding for the NGI Initiative, highlighting its demand for secured long-term funding for Free Software across Europe.
Learn more♻ Launch of the Device Neutrality website
The FSFE launched a new dedicated landing page to explain the concept of Device Neutrality in a simple and accessible way for all users, regardless of technical background.
Learn more2023
🏛︎ TEDective won EU Datathon
The FSFE's "TEDective", a Free Software tool designed to help citizens and journalists analyse and visualise public spending data from the EU's TED procurement database, won first prize at the EU Datathon.
Learn more🏛︎ Public awareness for openwashing at Sovereign Workplace
The FSFE critically examined the German government's "Sovereign Workplace", which was labelled as "Free Software", raising questions about missing source code, accountability, and public spending.
Learn more2022
📣︎ Release of the video ‘What is Free Software (Open Source)?’
The FSFE published a short video in English and in German: ‘What is Free Software (Open Source)?’ to explain the complex topic of software freedom. This can help a new audience grasp the importance of Free Software.
Learn more⚖︎ First ‘Legal Education Day’
The FSFE organized the first ‘Legal Education Day’ (LED) to provide basic legal education on the legal context of Free Software: copyright law and the concept of copyleft.
Learn more👾︎ First edition of Youth Hacking 4 Freedom
The FSFE successfully concluded the first edition of Youth Hacking 4 Freedom, a pan-European coding competition aimed at inspiring teenagers to engage with Free Software.
Learn more♻ Defended Router Freedom in Europe
The FSF worked on several challenges, ranging from multi-stakeholder initiatives to bilateral cooperation with regulators and strategic support from partner organisations in Europe.
Learn more🗠 Artificial Intelligence and Free Software
The FSFE analysed how AI can be more verifiable, trustworthy, innovative with Free Software, and made policy recommendations and presented this result in different conferences.
Learn more♻ Device Neutrality into EU legislation
The FSFE dedicated efforts to include Device Neutrality in the EU's new Digital Markets Act. The Act was adopted by 642 votes in favour, formally introducing the principle of Device Neutrality into EU legislation.
Learn more2021
📣︎ FSFE Women group formed
The FSFE Women group was created to help women and everyone who identifies as female build connections with each other while discussing technological issues.
Learn more♻ Launch of Upcycling Android Campaign
The FSFE launched the initiative to help users install Free Software operating systems on their phones, organised workshops across Europe, and developed policy recommendations to extend hardware lifetimes and reduce electronic waste.
Learn more👾︎ Publication of Ada & Zangemann Children's Book
The FSFE released "Ada & Zangemann – A Tale of Software, Skateboards, and Raspberry Ice Cream", a children's book written by FSFE President Matthias Kirschner and published by O'Reilly under a Creative Commons licence.
Learn more♻ Italian Court rules on Windows licence refund
The FSFE supporter Luca Bonissi won a two-year court case against Lenovo in Italy, with the Court of Monza ordering the company to pay 20.000 euros in damages for refusing to refund the price of a pre-installed Windows licence.
Learn more2020
👾︎ Launch of “Learning like a pro”
The local FSFE group in Zurich created a website which they use to explain why Free Software matters in education, described individual Free Software solutions and how these solutions in particular can be used to make school learning efficient and easy.
Learn more♻ Router Freedom victory with BEREC
BEREC sided with the FSFE's demand that any router and modem be under the full control of the user, rather than Internet Service Providers. The FSFE subsequently published a report monitoring the challenges ahead for national implementation across EU member states.
Learn more🏛︎ Free Software for COVID-19 contact tracing apps
The FSFE advocated that all publicly funded COVID-19 contact tracing apps should be released under a Free Software licence. Both the EU and the WHO followed the FSFE's arguments and recommended that any COVID-19 contact tracing app be published as Free Software.
Learn more2019
♻ Router Freedom at EU level
The FSFE started monitoring the status of router freedom in several EU countries and prepared an "activity package" for people and organisations willing to advocate for router freedom.
Learn more📣︎ Launch of the Software Freedom Podcast
The FSFE launched a podcast series to talk once a month with people who have inspiring ideas about software freedom and to reach broader audiences beyond its traditional community.
Learn more⚖︎ Reuse 3.0
The FSFE released an updated set of best practices together with more assisting material and tools.
Learn more♻ Tearing down barriers introduced by the Radio Lockdown Directive
The European Commission collected 276 public comments on the Radio Equipment Directive, most of them critical. The FSFE continued pressing regulators to recognise that the right to install Free Software is fundamental to security, education, and innovation.
Learn more🏛︎ First Parliament in Europe demands public code
The Parliament of Asturias became the first Parliament in Europe to vote in favour of signing our open letter demanding "Public Money? Public Code!".
Learn more🏛︎ Expert brochure published
The FSFE published the new expert policy brochure of Public Money? Public Code!" as a helpful source of information.
Learn more2018
🤝︎ Creation of CARE team
To further ensure the availability and enforcement of our Code of Conduct, we created a CARE team so that whenever our Code of Conduct is breached within the FSFE community, you can contact our central CARE team.
Learn more⚖︎ The FSFE joined its first NGI consortium
The NGI is a European Commission initiative supporting technologies that shape the internet into an open, inclusive, and privacy-respecting platform. The FSFE is part of the NGI Zero consortium, providing support on legal and licensing questions.
Learn more🗠 Exclusion of Free Software in the European Union's Copyright Directive
The FSFE obtained the first limited exclusion for Free Software in a major EU legislation. In this case in the amendments 143 and 150 of the current copyright reform proposal of the European Parliament's directive.
Learn more2017
⚖︎ REUSE Initiative is launched
The FSFE created an initiative to deliver the best development options for Free Software licensing compliance.
Learn more⚖︎ Fiduciary Licensing Agreement 2.0 is released
After 10 years of the Fiduciary License Agreement 1.2 (FLA-1.2). The FSFE joins forces with ContributorAgreements.org to produce FLA-2.0.
Learn more🏛︎ Launch of 'Public Money? Public Code!'
The FSFE initiates a campaign framework for legislation requiring that publicly financed software developed for the public sector be made publicly available under a Free Software licence.
Learn more🗠 Launch of Save Code Share
The FSFE starts a campaign to gather support against violations of Free Software in the EU Directive "Copyright in the Digital Single Market".
Learn more📣︎ Launch of git.fsfe.org
The FSFE launches a Gitea service instance for its contributors.
Learn more2016
📣︎ The FSFE organises its 2016 summit
Marking its 15th anniversary, the FSFE calls in its community to join together under one roof for the first FSFE Summit.
Learn more♻ Compulsory Routers abolished in Germany
A new law in Germany enables customers to use their own routers with their Internet connections, enabling them to use Free Software for their connections.
Learn more📣︎ DFD campaign run by Digital Freedom Foundation
After years of organising the Document Freedom Day, the FSFE handed over the campaign to the Digital Freedom Foundation who will continue organising the event every year in support of Open Standards.
Learn more2015
⚖︎ Legal network reaches 400 participants
The FSFE's Legal network launched in 2006, reaches 400 participants from all over the world.
Learn more📣︎ The FSFE convinces 1125 public administration to remove proprietary software ads
After a six years long campaign, the PDFreaders campaign closes after 1125 public administrations have removed advertisement for proprietary software from their web pages.
Learn more🤝︎ Matthias Kirschner is elected as new president
Having worked with the FSFE since 2004, Matthias Kirschner was elected president together with Alessandro Rubini as vice president.
Learn more👾︎ The FSFE issues a position paper on OER
The position paper is a boost of Open Educational Resources on the basis of Free Software
Learn more2014
🏛︎ 33 Free Software Pact supporters elected to the EU Parliament
33 newly elected MEPs across the political spectrum signed the Free Software Pact, promising to support Free Software and Open Standards during their time in Parliament.
Learn more🏛︎ Italy puts Free Software first
The Italian government has made Free Software the default choice for public administrations, setting a precedence for the rest of Europe to follow.
Learn more2013
🤝︎ First European Coordinators Meeting
FSFE coordinators from all over Europe meet in Berlin for the first time to exchange knowledge and discuss future strategies.
Learn more🗠 German parliament unanimous against Software Patents
After many talks and expert meetings, the German Parliament unanimously approved the joint motion which included nearly all of FSFE's core demands.
Learn more2012
♻ Analysis of warranty after flashing phones
FSFE's Legal team clarifies that flashing your phone in order to install Free Software doesn't void your warranty in the EU.
Learn more♻ German Government's White Paper on Secure Boot
Device owners should be in full control of their devices, says Ministry of Interior, echoing FSFE's core demands.
Learn more🏛︎ Promoting fair public procurement in Finland
FSFE activists in Finland analyse hundreds of procurement notices, and contact public bodies that put Free Software at a disadvantage.
Learn more🗠 Open Standards consultation in the UK
The FSFE helps the UK government set one of Europe's strongest policies on Open Standards.
Learn more🗠 Microsoft fined for violating settlement
The European Commission impose a EUR 561 million fine on Microsoft for violating the web browser settlement. FSFE had warned of the settlement's lack of a monitoring mechanism.
Learn more♻ Launch of Free Your Android
Most smartphones come with non-free software and some restrictions. FSFE stars a campaign to help users free their phones and use Free Software apps.
Learn more♻ The FSFE raised concerns over the Nortel patent portfolio sale
FSFE calls on US competition regulators about faulty competition settlement regarding sale of Nortel patent portfolio. The lawsuit occurs in November 2013, as Rockstar sues Google over Android.
Learn more⚖︎ First "Hacking for compliance" workshop
At this workshop, FSFE trains volunteers to identify and prove GNU GPL violations in embedded devices.
Learn more2011
⚖︎ Supported the case of AVM vs. Cybits
The FSFE supported the case of AVM vs. Cybits and the court confirmed FSFE's view that users of GNU GPLed software are allowed to modify and install it even if it is shipped as a part of an embedded device's firmware.
Learn more🗠 The FSFE in European Court of Justice hearing
The FSFE played a key role at a Microsoft hearing before the European Union's General Court on Tuesday, helping explain the intricacies of Free Software servers.
Learn more🗠 The FSFE provided input to EU's R & D funding program
Called Horizon 2020, the program will provide 80 billion EUR for research and development projects and the FSFE provided input to the Commission in order to make the program accessible for Free Software research and projects.
Learn more2010
🤝︎ The FSFE is awarded the Theodor Heuss Medal
FSFE receives the Theodor Heuss medal for its work on freedom in the information society.
Learn more🤝︎ German Merrit Cross on Ribbon for the FSFE's founding president
Georg C. F. Greve receives this high award for his work on Free Software.
Learn more📣︎ First "I love Free Software" Day
Every 14 February since 2010, FSFE calls on Free Software users to thank the developers of the software they use every day.
Learn more2009
🏛︎ First "Ask Your Candidates"
For the federal elections in Germany, FSFE asks political parties about their political opinions regarding Free Software, Open standards and ideas for more freedom.
Learn more📣︎ Launch of the PDFReaders campaign
Many websites from public administrations advertise proprietary PDF readers to their users in order to read their documents. This is unfair advertising of an US software company. FSFE, on the other hand, informs about free PDF readers and contacts public institutions to tell them about it. More than 600 institutions have since remove their non-free ads.
Learn more2008
📣︎ Document Freedom Day campaign launched
For the first time, FSFE promotes this international day to celebrate and show support for access to information and Open Standards. So far it is FSFE's biggest campaign.
Learn more⚖︎ First European Free Software Licensing and Legal Workshop
FSFE offers a workshop focused on medium to large projects and enterprises to discuss their existing license compliance processes. Our legal experts and external partners help to deliver training and consultancy for Free Software.
Learn more2007
🗠 Winning Microsoft antitrust case
From 2004 until its conclusion in 2007, FSFE works hard on the case with the Samba team to protect the interests of Free Software developers. Microsoft is now required to publish interoperability information.
Learn more🗠 Fighting against MS-OOXML
Microsoft tried to make OOXML an Open Standard. This implementation lacks interoperability information and can be considered as an attempt to undermine Open Standards. By informing about this issue MS-OOXML did not establish well enough to be a danger anymore.
Learn more⚖︎ Fiduciary License Agreement
The FSFE releases the FLA to ensure legal maintability of Free Software projects and rights in court. In 2008, KDE is adopting it as well.
Learn more2006
📣︎ First Fellowship conference
The first Fellowship conference is organised in Bolzano, Italy, and enables FSFE supporters to meet in person.
Learn more⚖︎ Launch of the FSFE's Legal Team
Established and operating in close collaboration with gpl-violations.org, "FSFE Legal" educates and supports Free Software developers in legal aspects.
Learn more📣︎ DRM.info campaign launched
Under the slogan "Your devices don't trust you", FSFE starts a campaign to inform about the dangers of digital restriction management.
Learn more2005
🗠 Intervening EC's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft
In order to enable interoperability the FSFE files an application for leave to intervene in this important case.
Learn more🗠 EU Parliament votes against Software Patents
After an intense campaign by FSFE and many other organisations, the European Parliament rejects the new Software Patent initiative.
Learn more🗠 Karlsruhe Memorandumagainst Software Patents
Nearly 40 organisations and over 220 individuals take a stand against the Software Patents directive before its second reading in the European Parliament
Learn more🤝︎ Creation of the Fellowship of the FSFE
European Free Software advocates can now become supporters of the FSFE and use its infrastructure to promote and spread the vision of the FSFE.
Learn more2004
🗠 European Interoperability Framework
The EIF is a set of interoperability guidelines with a pan-European scope. FSFE critically observes its evolution and the influence of lobby groups for proprietary software vendors.
Learn more🗠 Action week against Software patents
To inform citizens, economists and politicians about the harmful consequences of the Software Patent initiative FSFE initiates panel discussions and several demonstrations.
Learn more🗠 Definition of Open Standards
FSFE refines Open Standards definition which will be adopted by many organisations and companies in Europe.
Learn more2003
📣︎ Launch of Education Task Force
In order to improve the access to Free Software in education, FSFE volunteers build a team of experts to focus on education.
Learn more2002
2001
📣︎ We speak about Free Software campaign
FSFE explains the advantage of the term Free Software instead of "Open Source". Several companies and Bruce Perens supported the campaign.
Learn more🤝︎ Foundation of the FSFE
The FSFE is founded as a sister organisation of the FSF, with Georg C. F. Greve as the first president.
Learn more