German public authorities can now legally specify open-source software in procurement tenders under certain conditions, according to a Bundestag report. The move aims to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce vendor lock-in in the public sector. (OPENSOURCEFORU) Germany's Procurement Rules Open More Doors For Open Source Software
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France and Germany announced plans to explore a European alternative to U.S. company Palantir's military software. The initiative aims to enhance data sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European tech providers in defense systems. The pledge follows France's decision to end its contract with Palantir
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France and Germany agree to boost Europe's military, industrial and technological power during talks in Berlin. The pledge aims to demonstrate the Franco-German partnership's continued relevance amid political shifts in both countries. (POLITICO) As Le Pen looms, Macron and Merz bid to show Franco-German
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Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will phase out Microsoft Office in favour of LibreOffice, following Schleswig-Holstein. The state is rolling out a Nextcloud-based collaboration platform for over 50,000 public sector employees as part of its digital sovereignty and open source strategy. Sources: (Cybernews), (Tech.eu)
QuantumDiamonds, a German startup spun out of the Technical University of Munich, secures €91m in total funding to scale quantum-based semiconductor testing technology. The €15m equity round follows €76m in EU-backed state funding, supporting Europe's push for strategic autonomy in chip manufacturing. (TECH.EU) Chip testing
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European governments are reducing reliance on US defence tech contractor Palantir over security and ethical concerns. The Netherlands demands a European alternative within two years, the UK plans to end NHS contracts by 2027, and Switzerland has rejected Palantir bids at least nine times. Germany and Denmark are also seeking
