- France has directed ministries to transition from Microsoft systems to Linux by 2026.
- The move aims to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European software.
- Tools like Teams and Zoom will be replaced with domestic platforms across civil ser
France has ordered all ministries and government offices to shift from Microsoft systems to Linux by 2026 as part of a wider digital sovereignty strategy, according to a report. The move signals one of Europe's strongest attempts yet to reduce reliance on foreign technology providers.
The plan, led by the Interministerial Digital Directorate, or DINUM, extends beyond operating systems to cloud services, office tools and artificial intelligence platforms, according to The Next Web. It aims to replace extra-European software across core state infrastructure.
The directive also covers communication tools used by public staff. Microsoft Teams and Zoom will be replaced by the domestic Visio platform for 2.5 million civil servants by 2027, making it the broadest technology overhaul announced by the French state so far, The Next Web reported.
Why Now
The shift follows years of failed attempts by governments to move away from standard commercial software. Many earlier Linux projects were reversed because of compatibility problems and resistance linked to long-used legacy systems, according to the report.
France believes a gradual model can deliver better results. Its national police force, the Gendarmerie Nationale, began its migration in 2004 by first introducing open-source tools such as Firefox and OpenOffice.
That phased approach helped staff adapt before deeper changes were made. By 2008, the force had developed GendBuntu, its own customised operating system.
The government now sees that experience as proof that long-term planning and steady execution can support a large-scale transition.
Flexible Path
The new directive does not require ministries to adopt one specific Linux distribution. Instead, departments can choose their own migration route based on operational needs.
That flexibility is backed by La Suite Numérique, a government-built software toolkit designed to replace common office applications with domestic alternatives.
The existing stack already serves 600,000 civil servants through Tchap, an encrypted messaging app, along with tools for video calls, webmail and file storage.
Next Steps
France will now begin implementation across ministries ahead of the 2026 deadline, while communication platforms are due to complete their switch by 2027.
If executed at scale, the programme could become a model for other governments seeking greater control over public-sector data and digital systems.
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