This webinar series is organised under the umbrella of StandICT.eu 2026.
The OFE Lounge 2024 seeks to bridge standardisation and open source organisations, creating a platform to discuss the changing dynamics of software development and ICT standardisation. Drawing from previous iterations of the OFE Lounge Series, as well as studies such as the JRC’s “The Relationship Between Open Source Software and Standard Setting” and OFE’s study “Standardisation and Open Source – Bringing them together” for the European Commission, this series aims to facilitate knowledge transfer between significant open source and standardisation entities, as well as the European Commission. For this iteration of the series, we will focus on the standardisation activities following new EU regulation with implications for software development, such as the Cyber Resilience Act and the AI Act.
All sessions will adhere to the Chatham House Rule.
Format:
The webinar sequence initiates on 22 February, at 18:00 CET, and spans over five weeks, culminating with a comprehensive wrap-up workshop. Each session will last 60 minutes and start with 2 individual 15-minute presentations by representative stakeholder organisations, putting forward their ideas on the role of open source in standardisation, and standardisation for open source, followed by a roughly 30-minute moderated Q&A. The last wrap-up workshop will last 2.5 hours.
Session Details:
Agenda
22/2 – 18:00
Session 1: Kick-off session
This session sets the stage for our discussions on regulation directly or indirectly affecting software and the role of standardisation in its implementation. It will cover software and software supply chain complexity, challenges highlighted by the AI Act and CRA negotiations related to OSS, the needs and expectations of policymakers.
Speakers
- Astor Nummelin Carlberg, OpenForum Europe & Knut Blind, Fraunhofer ISI
- Emilio Davila Gonzales, Head of Standardisation Sector, DG CNECT, European Commission
- Mirko Boehm, Linux Foundation Europe & Jochen Friedrich, IBM
29/2 – 18:00
Session 2: The AI Act
This session explores the AI Act’s implications for standardisation and open source, focusing on ethics in AI and the role of standards.
Speakers
- Antoine-Alexandre André, DG CNECT, Artificial Intelligence Policy Development and Coordination
- Dr Adriana Nugter, Independent Consultant and Member of IEEE Standards Association
7/3 – 18:00
Session 3: The Cyber Resilience Act
Focusing on the CRA, this session will discuss the new requirements, guidance for adherence, and perspectives from open source communities and standardisation bodies on the software world’s needs from the CRA standards.
Speakers
- Filipe Jones Mourão, DG CNECT, European Commission
- Ben Kokx, Philips, and Convenor WG9 in JTC 13, CEN-CENELEC
14/3 – 18:00
Session 4: Legal Challenges and Innovation for OSS and Standardisation Collaboration
This session explores the legal frameworks governing the collaboration between open source and standardisation, aiming to find innovative solutions for smoother integration. We will us the earlier sessions on the CRA and the AI Act as the starting point for our discussions and try to conduct a gap analysis for policy enhancement and collaboration improvement.
Speakers
- Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director, Eclipse Foundation
- Jamie Clark, General Counsel, OASIS Open
3/4 – 16:30
Session 5: Workshop to Conclude the Series
16:30 – 17:10: Topic 1 – “Short Term: CRA at CEN-CENELEC”
Session Leader: Dirk-Willem van Gulik
Discussion on integrating open source stakeholders into the standardisation process for the CRA, focusing on practical measures (mirror committees, specifications that can be fed into the WGs), and the engagement of external software expertise in general.
- What are open source stakeholders actually requesting in terms of attention and ability to give input?
- What kind of input, very practically, does CEN-CENELEC want in order for it to be as constructive as possible?
- How to practically include open source stakeholders as a recognised group in Standardisation Requests?
17:10 – 17:50: Topic 2 – “Medium Term: Revision of Reg. 1025: Different Perspectives”
Session Leader: Simon Phipps and Jamie Clark
Exploration of diverse perspectives on the revision of Regulation 1025, assessing its impact on innovation, regulation, and the future landscape of standardisation.
- What specific changes are stakeholders advocating for in the revision of Reg. 1025, and how do they align with the broader objectives of European standardisation?
- Should Open Source Software Stewards be recognised in Reg. 1025? How could it enhance collaboration between traditional and open source standardisation processes? What are possible risks associated with this?
17:50 – 18:00: Break
18:00 – 18:40: Topic 3 – “Long Term: A 4th ESO: Why, How, and What?”
Session Leader: Astor Nummelin Carlberg and Jochen Friedrich
An analysis of the potential for a fourth European Standardisation Organisation, including its justification, implementation strategies, and envisioned structure.
- What gaps in the current European Standardisation System could justify the establishment of a fourth ESO?
- Is a new ESO needed? What about reforms to the current three?
- What lessons from the formation and evolution of the existing ESOs should be considered in planning a fourth ESO?
18:40 – 19:00: Closing Discussion and Next Steps
Organised by OpenForum Europe as part of the StandICT.eu 2026 project.
