Matrix moves sovereign messaging into big tech territory

The open federated Matrix standard is gaining traction in the EU public sector as an alternative to Microsoft Teams, with attendance at its Malmo event up 30% year-on-year. The European Commission rolled out Element-based Matrix to staff laptops between July and September 2026, though the Matrix Foundation still relies heavily on Element for funding.

• Attendance at the Matrix Malmo conference grew 30% year-on-year
• The European Commission deployed Matrix on laptops from July to September 2026
• Matrix is used by public sectors in France, Germany and Sweden, plus NATO entities
• The Matrix Foundation is funded largely by Element