- Dutch platform aims to reduce dependence on foreign-controlled depositories
- Source code integrity is treated as a critical national infrastructure requirement
- Forgejo selected for full access to modify and distribute code
The Dutch government has launched its own self-hosted Git platform called code.overheid.nl, with the aim of reducing dependence on US tech giants like Microsoft.
The platform, built on Forgejo, is intended to become a full-fledged alternative to GitHub and GitLab for hosting public open source software.
Authorities have described source code repositories as essential infrastructure where the integrity must be verifiable at all stages.
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Why the government wants to leave GitHub behind
“Hosting source code is a critical component of the Dutch government’s infrastructure. The government cannot afford the risk of code or binaries in repositories being tampered with as people could execute them directly,” the government explained.
“The government needs to be sure that these binaries were created with integrity. That’s why it’s important to have full control over a Git forge.”
Forgejo was selected because it allows for the study, modification and distribution of all its source code, which is in line with the government’s goals.
This allows developers to engage in vibe coding, a relaxed, collaborative style of programming that thrives on open tools and community input.
Developers can do it directly on government hardware, such as optimized laptops equipped for secure, local workflows.
“Forgejo offers the ability to study, modify and distribute all of its source code. This is exactly in line with the government’s goals,” stated the Open-Source Program Office (OSPO).
“Any investment in Forgejo enters the public domain, thereby benefiting taxpaying citizens and businesses. Public money, public code.”
Code.overheid.nl is currently in a pilot phase, which means that only a handful of public institutions can register and use it.
The gradual approach ensures that a full-fledged Git platform emerges slowly but deliberately, according to the project team.
Government developers are encouraged to participate by submitting issues and creating pull requests, essentially building the platform together with the OSPO team.
What it means for digital sovereignty in Europe
The Dutch government has classified both GitHub and GitLab as risky because neither platform is under government control, and the move represents a broader European push for digital sovereignty.
The soft launch of code.overheid.nl is a meaningful step towards digital sovereignty, but the platform is not yet finished.
Only a handful of institutions can currently participate, and the long-term success of the platform depends on widespread adoption across the entire Dutch government.
Forgejo is a solid technical foundation, but building a community of contributors takes years, not weeks.
The government is asking developers to help build the platform voluntarily, raising questions about sustainable funding and long-term maintenance.
External platforms like GitHub are difficult to replicate, and a government-run alternative may struggle to attract the same level of contributions.
Still, for a country that values public code and transparency, this is a necessary experiment, and its outcome will be closely watched by other European nations.
Via the Dutch government’s developer portal
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