Breaking: Denmark to Phase Out Microsoft Office for LibreOffice
June 14, 2025 – In a significant move towards digital sovereignty, the Danish government has announced its plan to gradually eliminate Microsoft Office products in favor of LibreOffice. The decision, explained by Minister for Digitization Caroline Stage, is driven by the need for European countries to control their digital infrastructures and data.
Digital Sovereignty and Cybersecurity
The push for digital sovereignty reflects the growing concern among European leaders about who controls citizens’ data and establishes access rules. The recent penalties imposed by the United States on the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, have further heightened these concerns. Khan temporarily lost access to his Microsoft account, underscoring the risks of relying on American technology.
The NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive, one of Europe’s most important innovations in cybersecurity, imposes new obligations on companies and critical infrastructures to enhance resilience against cyber threats. With stringent deadlines and high penalties for non-compliance, understanding and adhering to the NIS2 requirements is crucial for organizations.
Financial and Security Concerns
Denmark’s reliance on Microsoft products has increased significantly, with expenses rising from 313 million crowns in 2018 to 538 million in 2023. The financial aspect, coupled with security concerns, has prompted the government to consider open-source solutions like LibreOffice, NextCloud, and Linux. Copenhagen and Aarhus have already announced their intention to abandon Microsoft programs and cloud services.
Expert Opinions
While some experts, like David Heinmeier Hansson, believe Denmark is well-positioned to achieve digital independence, others like Harbo express doubts about the feasibility of complete digital sovereignty. The transition to open-source solutions is complex but seen as a necessary step towards reducing dependence on American technology.
Future Implications
Denmark’s decision is part of a broader trend in Europe, with the Dutch representative to the European Parliament, Bart GrootHuis, advocating for a “European cloud” to reduce dependence on American cloud platforms. This move underscores the ongoing debate about digital sovereignty and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
For organizations looking to comply with the NIS2 Directive, understanding its requirements is essential. Access the preview of the course conducted by Avv. Andrea Capelli on nostra Academy and follow the free preview. For more information, write to us at [email protected] or contact us on WhatsApp at 379 163 8765.
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