The Free and Open Source Software for European Public Service (FOSSEPS) team at the European Commission's DIGIT.B.2 unit invites you to play a key role in determining how critical open source software is used across the European public administrations. By taking part in the FOSSEPS survey, you will have a unique chance to contribute to our initiative and help ensure the sustainability of open source software used in public services.

Critical open source software

Our mission is straightforward yet vital: to understand how critical open source software supports essential functions within organisations and assess the risks associated with its sustainability. 

But what do we mean by "critical open source software"? It's any open source software that supports key functions for an organisation and whose sustainability is at risk, potentially posing serious threats to that organisation. Additionally, it is software with broad interdependencies with other critical open source tools.

Europe’s public administrations, spanning the national, regional, and local levels, are at the heart of this survey. Your insights will highlight the significance of open source solutions and unearth exemplary practices that can empower the broader open source community in Europe and beyond.

Why should you participate?

By taking just 5 minutes to complete our survey, you'll help identify the most relied-upon critical open source software in European public administrations. Your input will inform supportive initiatives, like bug bounties, tailored the resilience of these crucial solutions. Your responses will remain confidential and be used solely to advance the study on critical software. We will share the results anonymously, ensuring privacy while fostering transparency.

Your participation is essential. Let's work together to strengthen the resilience of the open source software that powers public services across Europe.

Ready to contribute? Fill out the survey before it closes on 7 September 2025. 

Please spread the word among your peers in your organisation and your  network. If you have any questions or need assistance with the survey, contact us at digit-eu-fosseps@ec.europa.eu.

Thank you for being part of this important initiative!