There are many Linux distributions, but now there’s a proposal for one that’s specific to the European Union government and nongovernmental organizations.
There have been thousands of Linux distributions, and at my best estimate, there are still over 250 distros being updated and supported. Now, there’s a proposal for one more: EU OS.
This proposed desktop Linux distribution is a community-led initiative to create a standardized Linux desktop operating system tailored to European public sector organizations. The project, spearheaded by Robert Riemann of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), aims to reduce reliance on proprietary software, particularly Microsoft Windows, while enhancing security, cost efficiency, and administrative control. You know, the usual.
EU OS is not a brand-new Linux distribution in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a proof-of-concept built atop Fedora’s immutable KDE Plasma spin (Kinoite). EU OS takes a layered approach to customization. The project’s vision is to provide a standard, adaptable Linux base that can be extended with national, regional or sector-specific customizations, making it suitable for a wide range of European public sector needs. That makes it different from GendBuntu, which is designed specifically for the French Gendarmerie’s needs.
Despite the name, EU OS is not a European Union (EU) project. But, as the group says, “the goal is to become a project of the European Commission in the future.”
Of course, this is far from the first attempt at a government-supported Linux distro. Others have included China’s Ubuntu Kylin, Russia’s Astra Linux and Germany’s LiMux. Some are far more successful than others. Kylin and Astra are both used on many desktops in their home countries.
