Denmark is embarking on a significant shift in its digital infrastructure by transitioning from proprietary software solutions, such as Microsoft 365 and Windows, to open-source alternatives. This move aligns with a broader European trend toward digital sovereignty and reflects Denmark's commitment to enhancing control over its digital assets.
Starting next month, the Danish Ministry for Digital Affairs will initiate the phased replacement of Microsoft products with open-source tools. Initially, half of the ministry's staff will transition, with the remainder expected to follow by autumn. This strategy is part of Denmark's four-year digitalization plan, emphasizing reduced reliance on American technology and increased autonomy over governmental digital systems. Minister for Digital Affairs, Caroline Stage, highlighted the importance of this transition, stating that the goal is to achieve greater "digital sovereignty." She also noted the flexibility of the plan, acknowledging that if the transition proves too complex, reverting to Microsoft solutions remains an option.
This initiative is not isolated. Major Danish cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus are exploring similar shifts, driven by political pressure to move away from U.S. software vendors. If successful, Denmark could serve as a model for other European governments aiming to demonstrate that public infrastructure can operate effectively without proprietary software licenses.
Denmark's move mirrors actions taken by other European entities. For instance, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein announced plans to migrate 30,000 employees to open-source systems, including Linux operating systems, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird. This decision was driven by objectives such as achieving digital sovereignty, enhancing trust and transparency in IT resources, and promoting the regional digital economy. The state government published its "Open Innovation and Open Source Strategy" and began the migration in the spring of 2025. By the end of 2024, initial requests for migration providers were completed for some departments, including macro migrations, PDF export and accessibility fixes, and training programs. Some of these improvements have already been integrated into LibreOffice's latest versions.
Denmark's National Strategy for Digitalization 2022-2026 outlines a comprehensive approach to enhancing the country's digital infrastructure, security, and competitiveness. The strategy emphasizes the importance of digitalization across various sectors, including healthcare, education, business, and government services, aiming to maintain Denmark's status as a digital frontrunner. Key visions include strengthening cyber and information security, providing coherent services for citizens and businesses, and accelerating the green transition through digital solutions. The strategy also highlights the need for a strong, ethical, and responsible digital foundation, positioning Denmark at the center of international digitalization efforts.
The Danish government's exploration of open-source solutions is part of this broader digitalization strategy. A political agreement reached earlier this year within the governing coalition set in motion an initiative to investigate specific areas where open-source software could be appropriate for public digital services. The agreement cautiously states that "there may be potential in using open source in the development of public IT solutions in the right contexts" and commits to investigating these areas. The recent political agreement outlines specific objectives derived from these strategy files, with a total budget of DKK 740 million (nearly €100 million). The primary focus areas include enhancing digital skills, promoting a digital green transition, and advancing artificial intelligence. Notably, DKK 1 million (€134,000) is earmarked for investigating the use of open-source software in public services during 2024-2025.
Municipalities have been at the forefront of adopting open-source solutions within the Danish public sector. The Danish municipalities' association (Kommunernes Landsforening - KL) and the non-profit association OS2 have created a guide on the use of open source in 2021 and implemented open-source solutions such as OS2borgerPC and OS2kitos, which are extensively used in the Danish public sector. These initiatives demonstrate the potential for open-source software to enhance public services and promote collaboration among municipalities.
Denmark's commitment to digital sovereignty is further exemplified by its participation in the Digital Nations (DN), a collaborative network of the world's leading digital governments. As a member of the DN, Denmark shares and improves upon digital practices, collaborates to solve common problems, and supports the growth of its digital economy. This international cooperation underscores Denmark's dedication to harnessing digital technology to improve citizens' lives and maintain its position as a digital leader.
In conclusion, Denmark's decision to transition from Microsoft products to open-source alternatives reflects a strategic commitment to digital sovereignty, enhanced security, and greater control over its digital infrastructure. By aligning with broader European trends and leveraging open-source solutions, Denmark aims to set a precedent for other nations seeking to reduce dependency on proprietary software and promote innovation within the public sector.
Source: Windows Report Denmark Follows Germany in Ditching Microsoft for Open-Source Tools
