Denmark’s Ministry of Digital Affairs plans to switch from using Microsoft services such as Windows and Office 365, instead opting for Linux and LibreOffice. This change has been reported by Politiken.
The transition will occur gradually. By June to August, around half of the ministry’s team members will switch to using LibreOffice and Linux. The remaining staff should make the changeover from their current systems to these alternatives between September and November.
Previously, it has been observed that government offices often transition from using Windows and Microsoft products, with budgetary considerations typically being the primary motivation. However, in the case of Denmark’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, they chose to adopt Linux and LibreOffice for a reason beyond cost savings: the pursuit of digital autonomy or digital sovereignty.
Denmark aspires to manage its own data and technological infrastructure, as expressed by Denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs, Caroline Stage Olsen.
The essence here isn’t about seclusion or digital protectionism. We shouldn’t shut out global tech companies entirely, as they often offer solutions that are advantageous to us, both now and in the future. However, we must always strive to maintain our autonomy, ensuring we don’t become overly reliant on a select few. Presently, an excessive amount of our digital infrastructure is controlled by a handful of foreign suppliers, leaving us exposed.
We shouldn’t shut off global tech companies entirely, as they often provide beneficial solutions for us, both now and in the future. Yet, it’s crucial to avoid becoming too dependent on just a few so we can act independently. Currently, too much of our digital infrastructure is controlled by a few foreign suppliers, making us vulnerable.
I’ve noted that the statement I’m observing here might not be a word-for-word reproduction of Olsen’s LinkedIn post, since it was translated using Edge’s built-in translation tool.
The bustling city of Copenhagen, serving as the capital and largest city in Denmark, has previously outlined its intention to phase out Microsoft services. Moreover, the Audit Committee in Copenhagen has mentioned the concept of digital autonomy.
In case an internal communication breakdown occurs due to political disagreements, it presents a significant challenge,” stated the committee.
In Denmark, it was announced that the second-largest city, Aarhus, intends to sever ties with Microsoft’s software, similar to its larger counterpart. According to Politiken, the two major Danish cities have proposed this move.
The ministry has an alternative strategy if the transition encounters problems. As Stage Olsen put it, ‘We can swiftly switch back to Microsoft, should the process prove to be overly complex’.
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2025-06-14 17:09