Sebastian Raible is Director EU Government Affairs for APELL – The European Open Source Software Association. Sebastian is a computer scientist and political consultant. He has previously worked as policy advisor on data protection, consumer rights, and digital policy in the European Parliament. Most recently, Sebastian was part of the Parliament’s negotiating team for the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Product Liability Directive, and the Data Act. As a long-time advocate for Open Source and the emancipatory use of technology, he represents APELL in Brussels.
Topic of speech:
Open Source business is of strategic importance to the EU
While the European Union legislator is starting to get a grasp on how Open Source could actually contribute to other policy goals like technological sovereignty, it is more important than ever to be present and make sure Europe and the EU recognise the strategic importance of Open Source for the realisation of policy goals. Open Source provides answers to questions on how to increase Europe’s competitiveness and the creation of wealth.
Open Source trade associations from the EU have joined forces in 2020 to create APELL as the European Open Source Software Business Association. This talk will outline why it is important for Open Source businesses to get together and make sure their voice is heard in the EU and the European capitals now, and how to raise our impact.