1. Georg Greve in South America 2. Wizards of OS 3. Firenze Tecnologia becomes Patron of FSF Europe 4. Sources-switch, the Italian coordination effort of communities 5. Introducing Matthias Kirschner 6. GNU/Linuxtag in Karlsruhe 7. Strengthening the global Free Software network 8. Demonstration against software patents 9. Introducing the translators team 10. Fundraising campaign
1. Georg Greve in South America
Georg Greve continued his visit to South America by taking part in several events in La Plata, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo and Brasilia. A summary of his most important activities in South America as well as some pictures are available online at http://www.fsfeurope.org/events/2004/FISL/fisl.en.html.
2. Wizards of OS
The third "Wizards of OS" conference took place in Berlin from June 10th, 2004 until June 12th, 2004. Georg Greve took part in the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) panel.
3. Firenze Tecnologia becomes Patron of FSF Europe
To facilitate the technological innovation of the region Toscana and the province of Firenze, Firenze Tecnologia (a company owned by the Chamber of Commerce of Firenze) is investing on Free Software for the technological innovation of the Toscana territory. Firenze Tecnologia has therefore decided to protect their investement financing the work that FSF Europe is doing for defending and promoting Free Software in Europe. It is a very important success for the activities of FSFE, since the donation is included in a wider strategical plan to support innovation, in which Free Software and freedom play a central role.
4. Sources-switch, the Italian coordination effort of communities
Too many times our community have faced attacks from outside. Given the growing importance of Free Software in all aspects of life, the members of the main italian associations promoting Free Software have founded a common working group, the "sources switch", aimed at coordination and information exchange. Sofar the associations are Chapter Italy of FSF Europe (FSFE-I), Associazione Software libero (AsSoLi), Italian Linux Society (ILS), ROSPA and the business Consortium Italicum Ratione Soluta (CIRS). The group will provide a framework for promotional events organized by each association, and will define a common strategy to increase effectiveness. Members participate to the works as individuals, but they have agreed to promote the initiatives within their organizations. The group met in Avellino from April 28 through 30; results of the discussions include an initial agenda, setting up of a secretary and a press office, a common position on software patents and open standards, and a schedule for the next meetings.
5. Introducing Matthias Kirschner
Matthias Kirschner has joined the FSF Europe team as Georg Greve's Assistant. He will mainly help with administrative tasks such as moderating mailing lists or coordinating the President's numerous appointments. While he currently contributes as a volunteer, he will work as an intern from September 2004 to March 2005.
6. GNU/Linuxtag in Karlsruhe
GNU/Linuxtag is one of the major Free Software events in Europe. Like every year, the FSF Europe was present there with a well visited booth. Georg Greve and Bernhard Reiter held speeches on the basic principles of Free Software.
7. Strengthening the global Free Software network
The FSF Europe was happy to share it's GNU/Linuxtag booth with several people from outside Europe. Federico Heinz is the president of Via Libre, an Argentinian foundation for Free Software. Hong Feng from China is the publisher of the Free Software Magazine, and Fumitoshi Ukai, Niibe Yutaka, and Takatsugu Nokubi are members of the Free Software Initiative Japan. The possibility to mutually share the experiences was very positive not only for the guests but also for the FSF Europe.
8. Demonstration against software patents
More than 1000 people demonstrated against software patents on June 24 in Karlsruhe. Along with several other speakers, Georg Greve expressed his hope that the European Union will not give in under the pressure of the strong lobby pushing for patentability of algorithms.
9. Introducing the translators team
With the growing attention the FSF Europe attracts in many countries, the need has arised to build up a flexible, responsive, and well coordinated translator team. Translating and proofreading texts is a precious contribution to the work of the FSF Europe and an excellent chance to spontaneously take part in the activities of the FSF Europe without long-term obligations. You can find more information on: http://www.fsfeurope.org/contribute/translators.en.html
10. Fundraising campaign
In order to be able to extend its activities, the FSF Europe has started a fundraising campaign. The web page http://www.fsfeurope.org/news/2004/news-20040701.en.html contains more details.
You can find a list of all FSF Europe newsletters on http://www.fsfeurope.org/news/newsletter.en.html