Open Source Horizons: Tools for Citizens

But before we start, we are inviting you to join our newly announced online webinar on the role of Open Source Programme Offices (OSPOs) in transforming public services with open source on 22 May 2025. 

Back to this month news, Code for Romania has launched Vot Diaspora, a simple yet powerful platform designed to help Romanians living abroad navigate the voting process. With step-by-step guidance and polling station information, the tool makes elections more transparent and accessible for citizens everywhere.

Meanwhile, in Galicia, the government is making open source more approachable with its 2025 Free Software Action Plan. Through workshops and community events, they’re helping government offices, businesses, and everyday users integrate open source solutions into their work and daily lives.

Over in Sweden, history lovers have something to celebrate. The National Archives have introduced HTRflow, an AI-powered tool that can read centuries-old handwritten documents. Trained specifically on Swedish handwriting, it unlocks historical records that were once difficult to access, making them searchable for historians and the public alike.

Museums are also embracing open source innovation. The MuMo project, which started at Antwerp’s Fashion Museum, provides an affordable way for museums to monitor conditions like temperature and humidity—critical for preserving artefacts. Using internet-connected sensors and open source software available on GitHub, museums anywhere can implement the system and protect their collections.

On the governance front, the Open Source Business Alliance has published new guidelines to help public administrations procure sustainable open source software, ensuring long-term, transparent, and efficient digital solutions.

And in Ireland, the Open Ireland Network is fostering collaboration between government officials and tech communities to improve public services through open source technology.

And to finish this month’s newsletter, we published a new case study about the Trufi Association why is using open source technology to improve urban mobility worldwide. By developing open source solutions for public transport navigation, Trufi helps cities create more accessible and efficient transport systems. This approach supports both global and local transit needs, making travel easier for communities everywhere.

These initiatives show just how powerful open source can be in shaping the future of public services, culture, and governance. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories next month!

The OSOR Team