Overview
- Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger said the government will cut dependence on US software vendors and roll out open‑source tools across his ministry’s workplaces.
- He called Microsoft a long‑time trusted partner but said Germany must not leave its administration exposed to a single supplier.
- The ministry plans an open‑source administrative software suite that could be used outside government as well.
- Wildberger warned the transition will take years because few European alternatives exist and federal Microsoft spending reached about €481.4 million in 2025.
- He also announced plans to convene a second relief cabinet before the summer to reduce business red tape by several billion euros, including a simpler “Building Type E” standard now under discussion.