Explore how open source software can enhance European digital sovereignty and security for public authorities in this conference talk. Learn about the growing momentum behind European digital sovereignty discussions amid international disputes and rising uncertainties. Discover how decision makers are increasingly questioning potential backdoors in mainstream products and understand the unique opportunity this presents for open source communities and businesses to engage with policy-makers. Examine the role of APELL – The European Open Source Software Business Association as the key liaison between EU policy makers and the European open source business ecosystem. Understand how this organization works to build trust and awareness of open source solutions within European institutions, governments, public administrations, and the private sector to strengthen digital independence and security.