Recent news from Brussels will interest people who follow digital policy in Europe. OpenForum Europe (OFE), the leading think tank dedicated to open technologies, has appointed Laszlo Igneczi as its new Executive Director.
This development is of special interest to us at Bramble Hub: our Managing Director, Richard Archer, is a member of OFE’s General Assembly, and strongly supports its principles of openness and interoperability. Richard’s involvement reflects our company’s belief that the future of public sector technology should be built on open standards.
About OpenForum Europe
OpenForum Europe is a not-for-profit think tank based in Brussels. Since its launch in 2002, OFE has worked to bridge the gap between policymakers and the technology community.
Its mission is straightforward: to encourage the use of open standards and open source software in government and business. OFE advises the European Commission and Parliament on how to build a digital ecosystem that is competitive, innovative, and accessible to everyone – ensuring that technology serves the public interest rather than locking users into expensive, proprietary systems.
OFE forms part of a wider Open Movement that believes technology works best when it is shared. It creates transparency (understanding what the software is doing with sensitive data), fosters innovation (because anyone can build on top of existing ideas), and prevents lock-in (so customers aren’t stuck with one supplier forever).
About Laszlo Igneczi
Laszlo brings a strong regulatory and institutional experience to OFE.
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EU Agency Leadership – He previously served for ten years as the head of the Agency for Support for BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications), where he played a key role in strengthening the EU digital single market.
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Diplomatic Experience – Before BEREC, he worked at the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU, focusing on the country’s EU Council Presidency in 2011.
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Industry Roots – His early career was spent in the private telecommunications sector, managing mergers and digital transitions.
A Vision for Change
The appointment of a figure with deep institutional roots suggests that OFE will be well-equipped for robust engagement with European legislation. While OFE has always been an advocate, Laszlo’s experience running an EU agency suggests a future where open technology is not just encouraged but integrated into regulatory frameworks.