OFE Lounge 2024: Standardisation and Open Source in the Age of Software Regulation

Under the auspices of the StandICT.eu 2026 project, the OFE Lounge 2024 webinar series was held across five sessions from 22 February to 3 April 2024. This initiative, held under Chatham House Rule, aimed to align the paths of open source and standardisation communities against the backdrop of significant EU regulations affecting software development and the ICT markets, notably the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the AI Act.

Navigating the Regulatory and Software Complexity Landscape

The series began by addressing the regulatory environment impacting software development, with a focus on the intricacies of software and its supply chain. Insights into the challenges posed by the AI Act and CRA negotiations related to open source software (OSS) were discussed, alongside the expectations of policymakers. Contributors included representatives from OpenForum Europe, Fraunhofer ISI, the European Commission, the Linux Foundation Europe, and IBM, who shared their perspectives on the need for a nuanced understanding of regulations' impact on software innovation.

Ethical AI, Standardisation, and Open Source Integration

Subsequent discussions delved into the ethical dimensions of the AI Act and the pivotal role of standards in ethical AI development. Valuable viewpoints[NC1]  were nonetheless offered by experts in the field, including a member of the IEEE Standards Association as the opening speaker. These discussions underscored the importance of ethical considerations in AI and the role of open standards in fostering ethical innovation.

Cyber Resilience and Legal Frameworks

The spotlight then shifted to the CRA, examining the new requirements it introduces and the guidance for adherence from both open source communities and standardisation bodies. This session illuminated the collaborative efforts required to navigate the CRA’s landscape, with contributions from the European Commission and industry representatives, including from the convenor of the CRA working group of CEN-CENELEC. Further, the legal frameworks governing OSS and standardisation collaboration were explored, aiming to identify innovative solutions for smoother integration and conducting a gap analysis for policy enhancement, with opening speakers from OASIS-Open and the Eclipse Foundation.

Moving Towards Practical Solutions

The final workshop reviewed short, medium, and long-term approaches for encouraging OSS stakeholder involvement in standardisation, particularly regarding the CRA. It addressed potential changes under Regulation 1025 and debated the need for a fourth European Standardisation Organisation (ESO) to fill current institutional voids.

Looking Ahead

The OFE Lounge 2024 series culminated in a workshop that tackled both practical and strategic dimensions for integrating open source software (OSS) stakeholders into the standardisation process, with a keen focus on the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Discussions, guided by seasoned experts from the OSS community, honed in on actionable measures for engagement and the specific contributions sought by standardisation bodies such as CEN-CENELEC. Additionally, the workshop provided a forward-looking perspective by exploring the potential revision of Regulation 1025, considering the recognition of OSS stewards, and contemplating the establishment of a fourth European Standardisation Organisation (ESO). This series ignited robust debates and laid out concrete steps to foster a collaborative future marked by greater inclusivity, innovation, and interoperability.

About StandICT.eu 2026

Consortium: Dublin City University (IE) - Financial and Administrative Coordinator,Trust-IT Srl (IT) - Technical Coordinator, OpenForum Europe (BE), AUSTRALO (ES), European Digital SME Alliance (BE), and Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI (DE).

For more information on StandICT.eu 2026, contact us at info@standict.eu and follow us on our social media channels: Twitter |Linkedin |YouTube

StandICT.eu 2026 has received funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement no. 101091933.

About OpenForum Europe

OpenForum Europe (OFE) is a Brussels-based think-tank working at the intersection of open technologies and public policy, driving forward the agenda for a more open, innovative, and sustainable technological future in Europe. OFE advocates for the adoption and contribution to open standards and open source as means to facilitate innovation and competition. Collaborating closely with European institutions, industry stakeholders, and the open source community, OFE aims to foster an environment where technology benefits all layers of society. For updates on OFE's activities and to join the conversation on open source and standardisation, visit OpenForum Europe's website and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.