Public authorities' interest in Free Software is essential. This is an issue of competitiveness for the EU in the information technologies sector, as well as the condition of our technological independence. Free Software is a vehicle for innovation in a promising economy; it is also the essence of an open, abundant information society. That is why I supported in 2005 the Rocard Report on Patents, signed the 2008 written declaration in favour of Free Software use in the EP, and recently made the commitment, through the Free Software Pact [3], to continue supporting Free Software. Europe's potential for Free Software is unique, let us seize this opportunity!
, member of the ALDE group in the European Parliament, leader of the MoDem list in Paris region (France) for the 2009 European election and Free Software Pact signatory.