In a world where core digital infrastructures are controlled by a few large tech corporations, digital sovereignty has become a major topic. In this context, open source is not just a technical alternative to Big Tech – it represents hope for a democratic, transparent, and independent digital future for our societies.
If open source projects and the people behind them now seize the opportunity to harness AI for their own purposes, it opens the door to transformation and technological self-determination.
AI as a Door Opener for Greater Participation
What was once reserved mainly for experienced developers is now accessible to people who aren’t expert coders, thanks to AI. AI can explain complex code in understandable ways, assist with debugging, generate prototypes, write documentation, or produce translations. This makes open-source development accessible to a much broader range of people — from designers and students to engaged citizens.
This democratization is essential: the more people participate, the more diverse, transparent, and resilient our digital infrastructure becomes. And: digital sovereignty isn’t just a technical issue — it also emerges through active civic participation.
Open Source as a Tool for Social Change
Open-source projects are therefore not just engines of innovation, but also social movements. They must make it clear that the goal isn’t just to build better software – but to enable societal change:
independence, data privacy, control over one’s own data, fair access to digital technologies, and infrastructure that serves more than just profit.
Europe’s Responsibility – and Potential
Europe in particular has enormous potential in this regard. We have highly qualified people, a strong awareness of privacy and fundamental rights, and a culture of cooperation.
What we need now is the courage to stop relying on the promises of large corporations and to take matters into our own hands – with publicly funded infrastructure, open AI, free standards, and education that enables participation.
If we do it right, open source combined with AI will not just be a technical approach, but a path to a self-determined, fair, and livable digital society.
Joomla is a fantastic open-source project. That’s why I encourage everyone: get involved!
Even if you feel you lack the expertise – today, with AI and community support, there are more ways than ever to make a meaningful contribution.
Let’s tackle this together – for a digital future that belongs to all of us.