Schleswig-Holstein, Germany’s northernmost state, has begun a full-scale transition away from Microsoft products—including Windows, Office, Outlook, and Teams—replacing them with open-source tools to strengthen data sovereignty and reduce reliance on U.S. tech giants.
At a Glance
- Schleswig-Holstein will remove all Microsoft software from public offices by the end of 2025
- 30,000 government workers already transitioned to open-source platforms
- LibreOffice, Open-Xchange, and Linux OS will replace Microsoft’s core products
- State officials cite digital independence and data security as key motivations
- EU-wide trends support similar moves in Denmark, France, and beyond
“We’re Done With Teams,” State Declares
Digitalisation Minister Dirk Schrödter announced the sweeping change in a public statement, declaring that the government is “done with Teams” as part of a broader shift to open-source software. The state has already transitioned 30,000 public employees—including civil servants, judges, and police officers—with teachers and educational institutions set to follow soon.
In the overhaul, LibreOffice, Open-Xchange, and a Linux-based operating system will replace Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.
Watch a report: German State Dumps Microsoft for Open-Source
A Push for Digital Sovereignty
The decision stems from growing EU concerns over digital autonomy, particularly in the face of U.S. cloud surveillance, licensing restrictions, and rising geopolitical tensions. Officials expect not only greater control over sensitive data but also long-term cost reductions and increased innovation.
The transition is aligned with the EU’s Interoperable Europe Act, which encourages public-sector use of open standards and cross-border digital collaboration.
Continental Momentum Builds
Schleswig-Holstein joins a broader European movement: Denmark’s government has launched similar programs, and France’s gendarmerie has operated on Linux for over a decade. While Munich famously reverted back to Microsoft in 2017 after a failed Linux switch, advocates believe improved open-source ecosystems and political will now favor success.
Schleswig-Holstein’s bold step may set a precedent for other European states looking to reclaim digital sovereignty and reduce dependency on foreign tech monopolies. The spotlight is now on whether the transition can hold—and scale.
