OSOR at FOSDEM 2025: Discovering New Open Source Projects

We also had the chance to present our work on revising the OSOR Handbook, gathering insights from the audience and meeting some of you!

FOSDEM 2025 demonstrated how open source has become essential for digital sovereignty, security, and innovation. With over 1,100 speakers across 79 tracks, the event fostered rich discussions on public-private ecosystems, cross-border digital collaborations, and new regulations like the Interoperable Europe Act.

Among the most impactful initiatives we encountered was UNICEF's Primero platform, which is changing social services in 67 countries. This open source solution provides a secure digital framework for managing child protection, gender-based violence, and family reunification cases. Through open collaboration, Primero continuously evolves to equip social workers with tools for supporting vulnerable populations.

The global energy transition emerged as another key theme throughout various presentation. In connection with this focus, we published an article about OpenCEM, a Capacity Expansion Modelling tool developed by ITP Renewables. This open alternative to proprietary energy modelling software helps policymakers and planners design low-carbon power grids, democratising the decision-making process for renewable energy initiatives.

Beyond these global challenges, we also engaged with municipal initiatives focused on building open source frameworks for enhanced digital collaboration. The governance of such projects is complex. We were excited to talk with Anika Krellman, author of "Open Source in Municipalities Part 2: Establishing Open Source Governance" who provides valuable insights into addressing the complex governance challenges these projects face.

In the realm of legal innovation, we also reported on the latest version of the 'Linked Data Overheid' (LiDO) framework, released by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior under the European Union Public Licence. This innovative system interlinks Dutch and EU legislation, court rulings, treaties, and laws in a structured database, making legal frameworks more accessible to both policymakers and citizens.

From legal transparency to energy transition and social services, the projects discovered this month and the people behind them show a strong commitment to positive change. Stay tuned for more open source developments next month!

The OSOR Team