Definition

Open-source software steward

A legal person that systematically supports the development of open-source products intended for commercial activities, without being their manufacturer.

A legal person, other than a manufacturer, that has the purpose or objective of systematically providing sustained support for the development of specific free and open-source products with digital elements intended for commercial activities, and ensures their viability. Foundations and similar bodies are typical stewards. They face a light-touch regime: a cybersecurity policy, cooperation with market surveillance authorities and reporting duties on the vulnerabilities they become aware of — not the full manufacturer obligations or CE marking.

Reference: Art. 3(14); obligations in Art. 24 · Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 on EUR-Lex

Updated 2026-09-12 · Paraphrase for orientation, not legal advice.