- The Dutch platform aims to reduce dependence on foreign-controlled repositories
- Source code integrity is treated as a critical national infrastructure requirement.
- Forge selected for full access to modify and distribute code
The Dutch government has launched its own self-hosted Git platform called code.overheid.nl, aiming to reduce dependence on American tech giants like Microsoft.
The platform, built on Forgejo, aims to become a complete alternative to GitHub and GitLab for hosting open source government software.
Authorities have described source code repositories as essential infrastructure, where 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 run them directly,” the government explained.
“The government needs to be sure that these binaries were built with integrity. That’s why it’s important to have full control over a Git fake.”
Forgejo was selected because it offers the ability to study, modify and distribute all of its source code, which aligns with the government’s objectives.
This allows developers to engage in dynamic coding, a relaxed and collaborative programming style that draws on open tools and community input.
Developers can do this directly on government hardware, such as optimized laptops equipped for secure local workflows.
“Forgejo offers the possibility to study, modify and distribute all its source code. This is precisely in line with the government’s objectives,” stated the Open Source Program Office (OSPO).
“Every investment in Forgejo goes into the public domain and therefore benefits citizens and companies that pay taxes. Public money, public code.”
Code.overheid.nl is currently in a pilot phase, meaning that only a handful of government institutions can register and use it.
According to the project team, the gradual approach ensures that a complete Git platform emerges slowly but deliberately.
Government developers are encouraged to participate by submitting issues and creating pull requests, essentially building the platform alongside the OSPO team.
What this 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 this move represents a broader European push for digital sovereignty.
The soft launch of code.overheid.nl is a significant step towards digital sovereignty, but the platform is not finished yet.
Currently, only a handful of institutions can participate and the long-term success of the platform depends on its widespread adoption across the 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 on a voluntary basis, 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 other European nations will closely monitor its outcome.
Via the Dutch government developer portal
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