The European Open Source Academy (EOSA), is an EU-funded initiative celebrating excellence in open source software and hardware to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and open strategic autonomy. Inspired by leading academies of science, EOSA serves as a lighthouse for open source in Europe, highlighting its strategic value and economic benefits.
The open source community is invited to join EOSA at the European Open Source Awards 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, in January 2026, to learn about strategic plans to support the open source ecosystem.
About EOSA
EOSA brings together stakeholders and experts to provide thought leadership for policymakers and industry, ensuring legislation and strategies address the risks and opportunities of open source technology. Rooted in values of excellence, learning, and sustainability, EOSA promotes a thriving open source ecosystem through:
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Excellence: Recognizing outstanding contributions in code, business models, and policy advocacy via the European Open Source Awards.
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Learning: Building the next generation of open source contributors through education and skills development, bridging the gap between the community and Europe’s industrial/public sectors.
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Sustainability: Establishing a lasting institution and advocating for funding to support open source development and maintenance.
EOSA is powered by the OSAwards.eu project (Horizon Europe, 2024-2027), coordinated by organizations like RISE and Open Forum Europe. The project includes a visualization tool for European open source projects, a training program, and analysis of critical open source areas.
Opportunities with EOSA
EOSA offers multiple ways to engage with the open source ecosystem:
European Open Source Awards 2026
Held in Brussels, Belgium, in January 2026, the Awards honor contributions in categories like Achievement, Advocacy & Awareness, Business & Impact, and Skills & Education. Winners join the next selection committee, amplifying their impact.
Eligibility: Nominations are open to the public. Details on the nomination process and community contributions will be announced in October 2025.
Masterclass Workshops & CEO Roundtables
These sessions convene industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss open source policy, skills, and sustainability, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Eligibility: Open to professionals and stakeholders—express interest for upcoming events.
Policy Brain Trust & Collaborations
EOSA shapes EU open source policy and fosters synergies with the OSAwards.eu project.
Eligibility: Open to organizations and individuals interested in policy input or partnerships with coordinators like RISE and Open Forum Europe.
Why Engage?
EOSA offers:
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A platform to influence EU open source policy and strategy.
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Connections with industry leaders and experts.
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Recognition through high-profile events like the European Open Source Awards.
How to Get Involved
Ready to shape the future of open source in Europe? Visit the EOSA contact page to nominate candidates for the Awards, express interest in workshops or roundtables, or explore collaborations. Subscribe to the EOSA newsletter and follow their social media for updates on the first Academy cohort and nomination process details in October 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Europe’s open source ecosystem!
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