France bids farewell to Windows: a move towards digital sovereignty
This is reported by ua.news
Ministerial deadline by autumn
According to a government decree, every ministry is required to submit a detailed import substitution plan by autumn 2026. The process covers not only operating systems but also critical segments:
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Collaboration tools and cloud services.
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Antivirus software.
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Artificial intelligence systems and databases. The Ministry of Digital Technologies is to be the first to report on its readiness for the transition and will serve as a pilot site for the implementation of European alternatives.
Cybersecurity as the main driver
The initiative is part of a broader strategy by France and the EU to reduce dependence on foreign tech giants. Against the backdrop of a rise in cyberattacks on government institutions, Paris is banking on its own developments, which comply with strict European data protection standards. Moving away from Western systems will allow the government to fully control the digital infrastructure and assess progress in real time.
The future of European software
This move demonstrates France’s ambition not merely to protect itself, but also to stimulate its domestic technology sector. It is expected that the government will soon introduce additional support measures for developers of homegrown digital platforms, which could create a new market for ‘sovereign software’ within the EU.
