German state Schleswig-Holstein ditches Microsoft, backs open-source in digital sovereignty drive

With Europe wary of US tech dominance amid Trump-era tensions, Schleswig-Holstein’s shift from Microsoft to open-source software reflects a growing regional resolve to safeguard digital autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign-controlled infrastructure

In a bold move aimed at reducing dependence on American tech giants and reclaiming control over its digital infrastructure, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein is phasing out Microsoft software from all public sector operations. The initiative is part of the state's broader push for "digital sovereignty" and data security.

By the end of summer 2025, nearly 30,000 government employees—including civil servants, judges, and police officers—will stop using Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. An additional 30,000 public school teachers are expected to follow in the coming years, completing one of the most ambitious software transitions in Europe’s public sector.

“We are taking back control over our data,” said Dirk Schrödter, Minister for Digitalization in Schleswig-Holstein, in a statement. Speaking via a secure German-made open-source video platform, he added, “We’re done with Teams,” symbolizing the broader disengagement from Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Germany eyes digital autonomy

The transition began last year with the first phase replacing Microsoft Word and Excel with LibreOffice, and Outlook with Open-Xchange. Over time, the state will also migrate from the Windows operating system to Linux, completing its full conversion to open-source software.

The decision comes amid rising global concern over the influence of major US tech firms on data sovereignty and cybersecurity. With growing tensions between the US and Europe, particularly following Donald Trump’s political resurgence, European governments are increasingly scrutinizing their dependence on American digital infrastructure. For Schleswig-Holstein, the recent geopolitical developments have only reaffirmed its commitment to digital independence.

Schrödter also confirmed that the state plans to move its data storage away from Microsoft-controlled cloud services to a publicly owned cloud infrastructure based in Germany. “The war in Ukraine showed us our energy dependencies. Now, we’re uncovering our digital ones,” he said.

Savings come with caution

Beyond the political and strategic motivations, the switch is expected to bring financial benefits. Licensing Microsoft products and maintaining compliance with their frequent updates often proves costly for public institutions. Experts, including Benjamin Jean of consulting firm Inno3, note that open-source software, when properly implemented, can reduce expenses significantly. Schleswig-Holstein estimates that it could save tens of millions of euros in the long term.

However, experts also caution that such transitions must be carefully managed to avoid employee resistance and operational disruptions. “Without proper support and training, staff may reject the new systems and demand a return to old methods,” warned François Pellegrini, an IT professor at Bordeaux University.

The experience of Munich serves as a cautionary tale. Once a pioneer in open-source adoption in the early 2000s, the city reversed its policy in 2017, citing integration difficulties and a lack of political continuity. Nonetheless, other institutions like France’s national gendarmerie and India’s Ministry of Defence continue to successfully operate on open-source systems.

A test case for Europe

Momentum is also building across Europe. Denmark’s major cities, including Copenhagen and Aarhus, are reportedly evaluating similar shifts, and the European Union’s Interoperable Europe Act, which promotes open-source solutions across member states, is likely to encourage more governments to follow suit.

As Schleswig-Holstein moves ahead, its success—or failure—could set a precedent for how nations approach digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.