In a bold shift towards digital sovereignty, several European governments are reducing or entirely eliminating their dependence on Microsoft products, opting instead for open-source solutions like Linux, LibreOffice, and Nextcloud. While such transitions are complex, they reflect broader concerns around data privacy, long-term costs, and technological independence. Below are seven notable governments making the move — and why it matters.
1. Denmark: A National Move Toward Digital Autonomy
In 2025, Denmark's Ministry of Digital Affairs announced an unprecedented plan to phase out Microsoft Windows and Office 365 across government departments. The goal? To reinforce data sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign tech giants. As part of the migration, Denmark is deploying Linux-based systems and open-source productivity tools. The government cited transparency, cost-efficiency, and control over national data as key drivers behind the decision.
2. Schleswig-Holstein, Germany: Microsoft-Free by Design
This northern German state is setting a powerful precedent by eliminating Microsoft Teams, Office, and Windows from over 30,000 public sector workstations. By adopting Linux, LibreOffice, and Nextcloud, Schleswig-Holstein aims to achieve full technological independence by 2026. Local officials highlight that open-source platforms allow greater control over data flows and reduce exposure to vendor lock-in.
3. Barcelona, Spain: Municipal Software Independence
Barcelona’s city council initiated a strategic migration in 2017 to transition from proprietary software to open-source alternatives. Microsoft Office was replaced with LibreOffice, and Windows systems were gradually substituted with Linux-based environments. This transformation was rooted in the city’s commitment to ethical tech and long-term sustainability.
4. Munich, Germany: A Trailblazer With a Bumpy Road
Once hailed as the flagship open-source transition, Munich’s LiMux project aimed to migrate over 12,000 government machines to Linux and LibreOffice. Launched in 2004, the initiative saved millions of euros but was paused in 2017 due to compatibility and workflow challenges. Despite its temporary rollback, Munich’s experience remains a benchmark in public sector IT reform.
5. Vienna, Austria: Quietly Cutting Costs
Since the early 2000s, Vienna has gradually introduced Linux and OpenOffice (later LibreOffice) into its municipal IT infrastructure. The city’s approach has been less publicized but equally impactful. By quietly reducing its Microsoft dependency, Vienna has lowered software licensing costs while maintaining robust functionality across departments.
6. French National Police: Securing Sovereignty with Ubuntu
France’s Gendarmerie made headlines in 2009 when it began migrating 90,000 desktops to Ubuntu Linux and open-source applications. By 2015, most systems were successfully transitioned, saving millions in software fees. The switch not only bolstered national data control but also demonstrated how security-focused agencies can rely on open-source tech without compromising performance.
7. French National Assembly: Legislative Tech Reform
France’s lower house of parliament began adopting open-source software solutions in the late 2000s. Members were issued Linux-based desktops and began using OpenOffice for daily operations. The initiative was framed as part of a larger strategy to promote software freedom, transparency, and public sector accountability.
Why These Shifts Matter
Europe’s push away from Microsoft isn’t just a software preference—it’s a political and economic stance. As global debates intensify over digital sovereignty and data privacy, these governments are leading the charge toward ethical tech adoption. While Microsoft continues to dominate enterprise IT globally, the quiet rise of open-source in Europe's public sector sends a clear message: transparency, flexibility, and independence are not negotiable.
Key Takeaways for CIOs and IT Strategists:
As the European digital landscape evolves, more governments may follow suit, reshaping the future of public sector IT one system at a time.