Euro-Office to launch desktop application for Windows, Linux, and macOS

Euro-Office, the European open-source office suite, is expanding from a browser-based tool to a standalone desktop application. Announced as part of the Nextcloud Hub 26 update, the software aims to provide a sovereign alternative to Microsoft 365 by allowing users to work directly on their operating systems rather than solely through a web browser.

The desktop application is planned for Windows (x64 and Arm64), Linux (x64 and Arm64), and macOS (Apple Silicon). Key features include local file editing with server synchronization, improved file filtering, and document previews. Nextcloud CEO Frank Karlitschek stated that the app provides a real alternative for organizations that want to maintain data control without relying on non-European providers.

Developed by a consortium including IONOS and Nextcloud, Euro-Office is a fork of ONLYOFFICE. This transition comes amid a broader European movement toward digital sovereignty, driven by data privacy concerns and a desire to reduce dependency on US-based technology providers. However, the project has faced scrutiny regarding its origins, as it is based on code from ONLYOFFICE, which has been linked to Latvian registration and previous licensing disputes.