Euro-Office, a new open-source office suite launched on June 9, 2026, aims to provide a European-sovereign alternative to dominant productivity software. Built on a fork of OnlyOffice and integrated into Nextcloud Hub 26, the project faces immediate scrutiny from The Document Foundation, which argues that the software’s reliance on Microsoft’s OOXML format undermines the goals of digital independence.
What is the core conflict behind Euro-Office?
The tension stems from a disagreement over technical standards and historical legacy in the open-source community. The Document Foundation, the steward of LibreOffice, argues that a truly sovereign European tool must prioritize the Open Document Format (ODF). According to an open letter published by the foundation, Euro-Office’s default use of OOXML—a format controlled by Microsoft—contradicts the very definition of European digital sovereignty.
The Document Foundation traces the lineage of European open-source productivity suites back to OpenOffice.org, which launched in 2001, long before the current push for sovereign-specific software.
How does Nextcloud justify the use of OOXML?
Nextcloud, a key partner in the Euro-Office coalition, acknowledges the concerns regarding proprietary formats. Christoph Weissthaner, Senior Communications Manager at Nextcloud, confirmed in a statement to ICTjournal that the company views proprietary file formats as a significant barrier to digital sovereignty. He stated that the project’s development roadmap prioritizes improving ODF support, with the goal of transitioning it to the standard format for the suite in the future.
What is at stake for European digital sovereignty?
The debate highlights a fundamental divide in how organizations define “sovereign” technology. One camp, led by The Document Foundation, believes sovereignty is achieved through strict adherence to open standards like ODF. Another camp, represented by the coalition behind Euro-Office—which includes IONOS, EuroStack, XWiki, and OpenProject—prioritizes functional compatibility with existing business workflows, even if that requires initial reliance on widely used proprietary formats.
| Feature | The Document Foundation Position | Euro-Office Coalition Position |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Format | ODF (Mandatory) | OOXML (Current), ODF (Future target) |
| Strategic Focus | Adherence to open standards | Integration and market adoption |
When evaluating open-source suites for enterprise use, check the software’s “native” save format. If it defaults to OOXML, ensure your team has a clear migration plan to ODF to maintain long-term data portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Euro-Office a completely new codebase?
No. According to the project announcement, Euro-Office is developed from a fork of the existing OnlyOffice suite.
Why does The Document Foundation oppose the project?
The foundation argues that the project’s default reliance on Microsoft-controlled OOXML formats is inherently incompatible with the stated goal of European digital sovereignty.
Will Euro-Office support ODF?
Yes. Nextcloud has publicly stated that future development efforts are focused on making ODF the standard format for the suite.
Who are the key players in the Euro-Office coalition?
The initiative includes several European organizations, notably Nextcloud, IONOS, EuroStack, XWiki, OpenProject, Soverin, Abilian, and BTactic.
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