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.