The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit and (in some countries) charitable non-governmental organization dedicated to Free Software as in freedom.
Access to software determines who may participate in a digital society. Therefore, the freedoms to use, copy, modify and redistribute software -- as described in the Free Software definition -- allow equal participation in the information age.
The vision of Free Software is one of a stable basis for freedom in a digital world -- both in an economic and socio-ethical context. Free Software is one important cornerstone for freedom, democracy, human rights and development in a digital society.
The FSFE is dedicated to supporting all aspects of Free Software in Europe. Creating awareness for these issues, securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues of the FSFE.
For these reasons, FSFE was founded in 2001 as the European sister organisation of the Free Software Foundation in Boston, MA, USA. Both are financially, legally and personally independent from each other as parts of the international Free Software Foundation network.
The second vision embodied in FSFE is that of a Europe united in the spirit of co-operation across cultural boundaries.
Not only do we need to deal with the political reality of the European Union, which already maintains large parts of the governance touching upon the information society, but also we are finding ourselves working in a field determined largely by large multinational companies. These tend to work with a very high level of integration, coordination and consistence between countries on a European and global scale, allowing them to further their interest through "divide and conquer" tactics.
In and with the FSFE, we stand united and work together on local and international levels, speaking with a voice that cannot be ignored.
As an organisation based upon the European culture and background, we believe in and are following fundamental principles such as democracy, multilateralism, cooperation, dialog and transparency.
In short, we operate in a networked, team-based structure that is open to anyone sharing the common understanding of FSFE and willing to participate.
We work hard to live up to these principles as much as possible, even though reality in form of limited resources or other problems may at times let us fall short of our ideals. If you think you have seen such a case and can help us to improve, please get involved either directly or through one of our associate organisations.
How we see ourselves and more:
Self-Conception of the FSFE
Who we are:
Team of the FSFE
Who is legally responsible:
Members of the association
How is this implemented:
Legal Structure of the FSFE
Who are our donors:
Thank GNUs of the FSFE
If you want to link to our site:
FSFE Artwork and
Graphics
The following organisations are sister organisations of the FSFE in the global FSF network. We are working together legally, financially and personally independent of each other in a spirit of equal cooperation.
Free Software Foundation North America
http://www.fsf.org
The original Free Software Foundation, located in Boston, MA, USA.
Free Software Foundation India
http://fsf.org.in
Free Software Foundation Latin America
http://www.fsfla.org
As a non-profit organisation, we are largely dependent upon people to make our activities their own -- either by getting involved or through donations. Please do!