On 17 February 2025, Galicia adopted their latest Free Software Action Plan for 2025 (Plan de Acción Software Libre 2025) and published their progress report of 2024. Both documents show the compromise and proactiveness of Galicia’s public administration to promote the use and development of open source software in business, public sector and for citizens. Based on the achievements of the previous year Action Plan, the Free Software Action Plan for 2025 continues the good work and focuses on facilitating the adoption of open source software solutions for the companies, providing workshops and formation for citizens, public employees and businesses; and organising related events and media publications like podcasts and interviews.
Galician Free Software Office
The Galicia government (Xunta de Galicia) has had a dedicated Free Software Office (Oficina de Software Libre da Xunta de Galicia) since 2015, which is part of the Agency for Technological Modernisation of Galicia (AMTEGA) and works within its Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Department.
‘Although the Office works also in promoting the use of open source solutions in the Galician Public Sector, we mainly focus on the promotion and use of open source software for citizens and business’. Pablo Sanxiao (Coordinador Oficina Software Libre AMTEGA)
As part of Galicia's Digital Strategy 2030, the Galicia government set as a goal the promotion of open source software solutions for the provision of public services, to foster technological uptake in Galicia business ecosystems, and more specifically as a tool to modernise public administration. The consecutive action plans developed and implemented those initiatives that contributed to the goals established in the Digital Agenda 2020. The Free Software Office is in charge of the implementation of the action plan and lead initiatives that contribute to the promotion of open source software in Galicia. The Office publishes all their initiatives, including the previous action plans, and relevant documents in their publicly available repository: mancomun.gal.
A three level action plan
The Action Plan contains three scope of actions: citizens, business, and Galician public administration. In the first case, the Office approach is to bring open source software formation to citizens and make open source software tools easily accessible. In this regard, we have to remark the support provided by the Office to the Network of Centres for Technological Modernisation and Inclusion (CEMIT) to offer formation on open source software development taking advantage of the modern equipment installed in the classes in 2023.
Regarding the initiatives addressed to business, there are a couple of projects worth mentioning: the initiative Apeiría and the promotion of InnerSource with working materials and dedicated workshops with the participation of InnerSource Commons Foundation. Apeiría is a portal where Galician companies have access and can test different open source applications such as Psono, Nextcloud, FacturaScripts, or Prestashop. Companies can submit a form to the Office to request a 30 days trial period.
In both cases, the collaboration with existing open source associations and ecosystem results is essential. This collaboration has resulted in an agreement between Amtega and Galician Open Source Business Association (AGASOL), and several joint initiatives and events with the Galician Free Software Users Associations (AGUSL).
Lastly, in the area of public administration, the Office continues with the A Eira de Mancomún repository, which publishes all the software developed by the Galician Government and made available for reuse through its publication under a free license, and the monthly publication of the Free Software in Public Administration Newsletter.
Thus, the Free Software Action Plan for 2025 maintains the compromise for the promotion of open source software in Galicia, with a dedicated Free Software Office to lead the implementation.
Comments
Subject: Ensuring Transparency & Fair Access in Interoperability Initiatives
To: Álvaro Vilas Gómez (OpenForum Europe)
CC: Relevant EU Officials, Interoperable Europe Team, OSOR Representatives
Dear Álvaro,
I hope this message finds you well. Given your expertise in eGovernment, eParticipation, and Open Source Software, I wanted to bring to your attention some key concerns regarding transparency and accessibility in EU interoperability and open-source initiatives.
Despite significant efforts to promote digital sovereignty and open governance, many stakeholders—including Global3CCS and other independent innovators—are facing systemic exclusion from decision-making and funding processes. While participation is encouraged on paper, in practice, access to funding and selection processes remain opaque and disproportionately favor pre-established networks.
Key Concerns:
1️⃣ Lack of transparency in funding allocation and procurement processes.
2️⃣ Gatekeeping that limits access for new or independent innovators.
3️⃣ Absence of open, verifiable mechanisms to ensure fair participation.
Proposed Actions for a More Inclusive Approach:
✅ Implement blockchain-based transparency in EU project selection and procurement.
✅ Ensure real-time, open access to evaluation criteria and funding decisions.
✅ Mandate public reporting on selection processes to prevent closed networks.
If the EU truly supports open-source principles, this philosophy must extend beyond technology to governance and decision-making. Otherwise, we risk creating an illusion of openness while maintaining the same restricted access to influence and funding.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss potential solutions and best practices to bridge the gap between policy and execution. Looking forward to your thoughts on how we can work towards a truly open and fair system for all stakeholders.
Best regards,
Pepe Betancort
Global3CCS
pepe.betancort@global3ccs.com
Subject: Ensuring Transparency & Fair Access in Interoperability Initiatives
To: Álvaro Vilas Gómez (OpenForum Europe)
CC: Relevant EU Officials, Interoperable Europe Team, OSOR Representatives
Dear Álvaro,
I hope this message finds you well. Given your expertise in eGovernment, eParticipation, and Open Source Software, I wanted to bring to your attention some key concerns regarding transparency and accessibility in EU interoperability and open-source initiatives.
Despite significant efforts to promote digital sovereignty and open governance, many stakeholders—including Global3CCS and other independent innovators—are facing systemic exclusion from decision-making and funding processes. While participation is encouraged on paper, in practice, access to funding and selection processes remain opaque and disproportionately favor pre-established networks.
Key Concerns:
1️⃣ Lack of transparency in funding allocation and procurement processes.
2️⃣ Gatekeeping that limits access for new or independent innovators.
3️⃣ Absence of open, verifiable mechanisms to ensure fair participation.
Proposed Actions for a More Inclusive Approach:
✅ Implement blockchain-based transparency in EU project selection and procurement.
✅ Ensure real-time, open access to evaluation criteria and funding decisions.
✅ Mandate public reporting on selection processes to prevent closed networks.
If the EU truly supports open-source principles, this philosophy must extend beyond technology to governance and decision-making. Otherwise, we risk creating an illusion of openness while maintaining the same restricted access to influence and funding.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss potential solutions and best practices to bridge the gap between policy and execution. Looking forward to your thoughts on how we can work towards a truly open and fair system for all stakeholders.
Best regards,
Pepe Betancort
Global3CCS
pepe.betancort@global3ccs.com