Interministerial Digital Directorate of France, daynamhas ordered government ministries to assess their dependence on technology outside the EU and draw up an exit strategy by 2026. The directive places a broad push toward replacing Windows with Linux-based workstations as well as open-source alternatives as a priority.
David Amiel, Minister of Public Action and Accounts, said: “The state can no longer simply accept its dependence; it must break free. We need to reduce our reliance on American tools and take back control of our digital future.”
What is required for DINUM instruction
Ministries have until 2026 to submit dependency maps and transition plans related to the use of technology from outside Europe. This includes software and services from beyond the European Union, with the United States specifically mentioned as the main focus for cuts in the directive.
DINUM highlights migration from Windows to Linux as a key element of the directive. The actual migration date has not yet been determined. The directive also covers other technology categories where there is reliance on non-EU providers.
EU open-source alternatives for Windows and Office
Organizations that need to use software originating from the EU have options. The openSUSE Linux distribution and LibreOffice productivity suite both come from within the EU and can serve as alternatives to Windows and Microsoft Office, respectively. DINUM has not released any specific list of approved replacements.
The Directive does not restrict the use of open-source software based solely on the geographical origin of the project, meaning that Linux distributions developed outside the EU may still be considered compliant depending on how DINUM interprets the sovereignty requirements.
France has not provided a timeline for completing the transition beyond the 2026 deadline for the ministry to submit its plans.
