Germany to Standardize Open Document Format in Public Administration by 2027

Germany's IT Planning Council has announced a nationwide initiative to adopt the Open Document Format (ODF) as the standard for document exchange across all public administration sectors by 2027. This move aims to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on proprietary software solutions.​

The decision, involving representatives from both federal and state governments, underscores a commitment to open formats and interfaces as vital components in modernising governmental IT infrastructure. The Council has tasked the Standardisation Board with overseeing the implementation of ODF, the default format used in LibreOffice and recognised for its interoperability and long-term accessibility.​

This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to promote open-source solutions and data sovereignty. Notably, the state of Schleswig-Holstein has already embarked on a similar path, transitioning approximately 30,000 government PCs to LibreOffice and mandating ODF for official documents starting August 2024.​

By standardizing ODF, Germany aims to foster innovation, ensure transparency, and improve citizens' access to government services and information.​