Member of the European Parliament, Amelia Andersdotter, wants public administrations to consider software freedom as one of the reasons to select new ICT solutions. Authorities should base their choice at least partially on the freedoms the software gives to their citizens, enterprises, authorities and schools.

When I talk to people as a member of FSFE’s education team, there’s always the question what we are actually doing. It is not so easy to come up with something specific. I know we’ve been busy all the time, but ad hoc, it’s difficult for me to name examples, that are worth mentioning. A lot of work that’s being done just doesn’t provide a presentable outcome (more on that below).

The battles seen in the US over software patents could spread to the UK and the rest of Europe if the unitary patent is allowed to come into force

EC migrates to windows 7, contracts made without public call for tender. Explanations confirm lock-in as motivation which is in contradiction with European procurement Directive. A black day for Europe.

Members of the European Parliament and their assistants are participating in this year's Document Freedom Day, a 'grassroots effort to educate the public about the importance of Free Document Formats and Open Standards in general', according to an announcement on the organisation's website.

When it comes to Free Software and Open Standards, the UK has long lagged way behind other countries. There were a few policies that sounded good on paper, but that’s exactly where they stayed. This may be finally changing. The UK Cabinet Office has issued a "procurement policy notice" (.pdf) that is, well, surprising. In a good way.

Dr Richard Stallman, the global crusader for the freedoms of computer users, will be embarking on a lecture tour during February and March.

Anne Østergaard is a veteran of the Free Software community, and attended the first Open Source Days, back in 1998. She holds a Law Degree from The University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and after a decade in government service, international organisations, and private enterprise, she has become a devoted Free Software advocate.