+The story of Ada & Zangemann is now available as an animated movie! +We’d also like to thank everyone who contributed feedback to the EC +consultation, urging European policymakers to establish long-term +sustainable funding for Free Software Additionally, we’ve submitted our +arguments in the ongoing Apple litigation. And great news, our hoodies +are back!
+ +
+Table of contents
+++ +“ I already loved the book, I loved the wonderful story and + the even more wonderful little people in the story. I was just + so inspired by it myself, not to mention my kids really, really + loved the book and and now it has become a film!"
+ Franziska Heine during the English world premiere of the + animated movie 'Ada & Zangemann'. +
The FSFE celebrated Ada Lovelace Day on October 8 with a special + event for its supporters: the global English premiere of the + animated movie 'Ada & Zangemann - A Tale of Software, Skateboards, + and Raspberry Ice Cream'. Vint Cerf, often referred to as one of + the "fathers of the Internet", and Franziska Heine, Executive + Director of Wikimedia Germany, gave special speeches during the + event.
The movie is now published on the FSFE's website and + made available to the public under the Creative Commons By + Share-Alike Licence, as an Open Education Resource. During the next + months the FSFE will release other language version of the movie on + ada.fsfe.org/movie.
+ +Share the movie and all the Ada & Zangemann resources with your community!
+ +ARecently, the European Commission announced a €27 million cut + in the funding allocated to the Next Generation Internet (NGI) + initiative, which has supported Free Software projects with funding + and technical assistance since 2018. Despite its proven success, + the European Commission decided to cut this funding in the current + draft of the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme, highlighting the + larger issue of the lack of long-term, sustainable public funding + for Free Software projects. Since July, we have been active on this + issue, we tried to get in touch with the European Commission, + reached out to our community and spread the news around + Europe.
+ +Recently, the FSFE participated in a public consultation + organized by the European Commission to provide feedback on the + EU's Digital Europe funding programme, emphasizing that cutting + funding for Free Software risks steering Europe away from policies + that ensure people’s control over their own technology. At the same + time, we asked the community to do the same and to take part in the + consultation.
+ +Our call was heard: the consultation received 789 + responses, 70% of which came from individual citizens. Together, we + made it clear that long-term, dedicated funding for Free Software + is essential to ensuring Europe’s control over its technological + future. We thank everyone who took part in amplifying the Free + Software community’s voice. Once public, we will analyse the + results and will follow up with the Commission and other EU bodies + with those results; to make sure your voice remains heard.
+ +This consultation was not a stand-alone event—it is a key step in our + ongoing effort to ensure that Free Software receives long-term, + sustainable funding. We remain committed to influencing policy + decisions and advocating for Free Software, and we will keep you + informed as we continue this important work. The EU’s digital + strategy can only reach its full potential if it systematically + focuses on Free Software. We will continue our efforts to make sure + software freedom is consistently supported across Europe with the + needed sustainable long-term fund.
+ + +In August this year, the FSFE was admitted in the litigation + brought by Apple against the European Commission in relation to the + Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple is trying to avoid obligations + related to its App Store and the interoperability of its operating + system and devices.
+ +On 12th September the FSFE submitted its arguments, arguing how + interoperability is key for our digital societies. Apple must abide + DMA obligations not only for fairer competition on digital markets + but also for open internet, software freedom and better device and + software security. More information will be publish soon on our website.
+ +In September we published our annual report, Software Freedom in + Europe. This report highlights our achievements, showcasing our + success stories, milestones and activities over the past twelve + months.
+ +Nominate the Free Software Contributor of 2024! The + European SFS Award celebrates and recognises individuals who have + made outstanding contributions to the global Software Freedom + culture.
+ +Last year, the first time this award was presented jointly by + the Linux User Group Bolzano and the Free Software Foundation + Europe, it went to the + founder of Nextcloud, Frank Karlitschek.
+ + +For years, you've been asking, and we’ve been listening. Now, + the wait is finally over: the FSFE hoodies are back! This winter + you can show your love for Free Software with our new hoodies! + These cozy, stylish hoodies have been designed with your feedback + in mind, They’re here, they’re back, and they’re better than + ever—order yours today!
+ +Pre order your hoodie and pick it up at your favourite + conference, 38C3 at the end of December in Hamburg or FOSDEM at + beginning of February!
+ + +The third edition of YH4F, the coding competition for teenagers + across Europe, will culminate with the Award Ceremony weekend at + the end of October, where the official winners will be revealed. + The six 2024 winners, along with their families and members of the + jury, will gather in Brussels for a celebratory weekend. The + teenagers have the chance to connect with each other, to enjoy time + together and to learn more about the winning projects.
+ +Last September, our team and volunteers actively celebrated + Software Freedom Day across Europe and participated in various + events, from Ada & Zangemann readings to the Fediverse Day in + Berlin.
+ +
+ If you have some spare time, we recommend you to check out Alexander Sander's +conversation with Tuta Mail about supporting Free Software +projects. Also, if you are a German speaker, listen +to this podcast episode where Alexander Sander talks +about Microsoft vendor lock-in in Germany and why it is a problem.
+ +Remember that at events.fsfe.org you can find all the information about our events and you can follow our latests news in our social media channels!!
+ +
+ We would love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts, pictures, or
+ news to share, please send them to us at
+ Your editor,
+ Ana
+