What Common Europe does

Common Europe is a Luxembourg-registered non-profit IT user community organization, founded in 1962, that operates as the umbrella association for national IBM Power Systems, IBM i, AIX and Linux user groups across more than 20 European countries. It is governed by a Board composed of country-group presidents (Common Poland, Common Sweden, Common Germany & Switzerland, Common Italy, Common France, Common Netherlands, Common Denmark, Common Norway, Common Finland, Common Iberia, Common Belgium, Common Austria, Common Luxembourg, Common Czech Republic & Slovakia, FAQ400 Italy, COMMON Romandie) and runs a Common Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) that serves as the formal channel for ongoing Requirements dialogue with IBM on product strategy and international standards.

Its core deliverables are community programs rather than software products: an annual flagship Common Europe Congress (CEC) rotating across European cities (442 attendees in Milan 2024; CEC2026 planned in Lyon), recurring sponsored Webinars (with a formal prospectus), in-person and online Workshops, the NextGen program (free membership to under-30 IT professionals plus free COMMON North America membership), the Academic Initiative offering complimentary congress access to meritorious students, and the Hall of Fame recognizing long-standing contributors. Underlying technology is limited to the digital touchpoints - the comeur.org website, an online learning platform used for webinars, and a Twitter (@CommonEurope) social presence - with no proprietary product or platform.

Revenue is generated almost entirely from four streams: annual membership dues (Corporate Associates €200/year, Individual Associates €100/year, Education Institutions complimentary, Country User Groups on inquiry), congress registration (Full Congress €1,020-€1,200; Congress + Workshops €1,520-€1,700; Accompanying Persons €200; Workshop-only €150-€300; with a 25% member discount and group rates for 5+ tickets), corporate sponsorships across tiers (IBM as Benefactor; Rocket Software, Fresche, LANSA, M81, CNX, Falconstor as recurring Gold; Fortra, Remain Software as Silver; plus a long tail of exhibitors such as Raz-Lee, Maxava, ARCAD, Profound Logic, TD SYNNEX, Infor, Connectria, Service Express, TechChannel, Red Hat), and webinar/workshop sponsorships. Headcount is 11-50; the organization has no subsidiaries, no external ownership, no disclosed funding rounds, and no revenue disclosure in source materials.

Name

Common Europe

Legal name

Common Europe

Website

https://comeur.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Common Europe is a Luxembourg-based non-profit umbrella organization for national IBM Power Systems, IBM i, AIX and Linux user groups across 20+ European countries, delivering an annual congress, webinars, workshops and NextGen programs while serving as the formal channel for community Requirements dialogue with IBM.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Professional Association / User Community

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• IBM user community
• IT professional association
• Annual technology congress
• IBM Power user group
• Technical training webinars

Headquarters

HQ city

Roodt-sur-syre

HQ country

Luxembourg

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Common Europe generates revenue through annual membership dues from Corporate Associates (€200/year), Individual Associates (€100/year), and User Group Membership (fees determined on inquiry basis). Education Institution Associates receive complimentary membership. Membership provides access to congress discounts, events, and community resources.
2. Congress and Event Registration: Revenue generated from annual congress registration fees including full congress tickets (€1,020-€1,200), congress plus workshops tickets (€1,520-€1,700), and accompanying person tickets (€200). Early bird discounts available. Members receive 25% discount on registration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Common Europe operates as a pan-European non-profit IT user community and umbrella organization for national IBM Power Systems, IBM i, AIX, and Linux user groups. Its core offering is membership-based access to a community network that delivers annual international congresses, webinars, workshops, professional networking, influence over IBM product strategy via a formal Requirements Process and the Common Europe Advisory Council (CEAC), plus targeted programs for young professionals (NextGen) and academic institutions.

Product overview

Common Europe is a pan-European IT user community organization (not a software product company) that serves as an umbrella organization for European national IBM Power Systems, IBM i, AIX, and Linux user groups. The organization offers a portfolio of community services including the annual Common Europe Congress (CEC), educational webinars, in-person workshops, the NextGen youth program, an Advisory Council (CEAC) for strategic IBM dialogue, a Hall of Fame recognition program, and an Academic Initiative for university students. These services are designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development within the IBM Power and IBM i community across Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Common Europe Congress (CEC): Annual flagship event/congress of Common Europe bringing together IBM Power and IBM i experts, users, vendors and professionals.
• Common Europe Advisory Council (CEAC)
• NextGen
• Hall of Fame

Products and services

• Common Europe Membership (Corporate, Individual, Education Institution, User Group tiers) Annual membership program for the Common Europe IT user community. Corporate Associates (EUR 200/year) cover unlimited employees under one membership and access member-rate registration at congresses and members-only events. Individual Associates (EUR 100/year) are for individuals residing in European countries without a Common Europe country user group. Education Institution Associates receive complimentary membership for universities, technical colleges, and tech institutions, allowing unlimited faculty and students plus discounted congress registration. User Group Membership (fees on inquiry) is exclusive to Common Europe country user groups and similar technical user groups.
• Common Europe Congress (CEC) Annual flagship international congress rotating across European countries, bringing together IBM Power, IBM i, AIX, and Linux experts, users, vendors, and professionals for multi-stream educational sessions, workshops, solution provider exhibitions, and networking. Congress 2026 is scheduled for Lyon, France, 14-17 June 2026. Pricing: Early bird Full Congress EUR 1,020 (until April 30), Full Congress + Workshops EUR 1,520; standard pricing from May 1 EUR 1,200 and EUR 1,700 respectively; accompanying persons EUR 200. Members receive a 25% discount and group discounts are offered for 5+ tickets.
• Common Europe Workshops Specialized, in-depth educational seminars delivered online or in person by industry experts and IBM developers, with limited participant numbers to maximize learning. Workshop-only tickets priced at EUR 150-300, or bundled with Congress registration at EUR 1,520-1,700.
• Common Europe Webinars Recurring online educational sessions delivered through an online learning platform, featuring industry experts, CEAC members, IBM developers, and solution-provider sponsors on IBM i topics including security, modernization, database, and cloud. Some webinars are free to members as a membership benefit and others are sponsored by ISVs and partners.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• COMMON (North America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommon Europe maintains an affiliation with COMMON (North America), the largest association of users of IBM compatible technology in the world. This partnership provides Common Europe members with access to COMMON's extensive Content Library of IBM i education. Additionally, NextGen members receive free membership to COMMON (North America) as part of their Common Europe NextGen benefits.
• IBMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommon Europe serves as the formal umbrella organization connecting European IBM user groups with IBM. The organization operates a Requirements Process allowing members to influence IBM's product development strategy. The Common Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) provides a forum for strategic dialogue with IBM on long-term issues. IBM recognizes IBM Champions within the community.
• IBM Champions for Power in EMEAminorOthersIBM Champions are external experts recognized for contributions supporting technical communities and advocating IBM technologies. Common Europe congratulates IBM Champions annually and recognizes them as thought leaders within the POWER community. IBM manages the Champions program independently.
• IBM (Benefactor Sponsor)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerIBM serves as Benefactor-level sponsor for Common Europe Congress events including vCEC2020 and subsequent congresses. This sponsorship supports the user community events and provides IBM with visibility among European IBM i/Power users.
• Rocket SoftwaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level sponsor for vCEC2020 and subsequent congresses. Rocket Software provides IBM i modernization and optimization solutions. The company actively participates in Common Europe webinars and congresses as a sponsor and educational content provider.
• Fresche SolutionsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor for vCEC2020 and Bronze sponsor for CEC2021. Fresche provides IBM i application modernization, transformation, and management solutions. Active participant in congresses and webinars.
• LANSAmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level sponsor for vCEC2020 and subsequent congresses. LANSA provides low-code application development and IBM i modernization solutions. Active in congresses with exhibitions and presentations.
• M81majorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor for vCEC2020 and PSC2021. M81 is a French ISV providing IBM i system products including Flash for i and Control for i. Founder Pascal Ruckebusch presents webinars on IBM i monitoring and storage solutions.
• Fortra (formerly HelpSystems)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver/Exhibitor sponsor for multiple congresses. Fortra provides IBM i security, automation, and system management solutions. Active in webinars covering security topics including ransomware, MFA, and Zero Trust.
• Remain SoftwareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor for vCEC2020 and exhibitor at CEC2024. Remain Software provides IBM i development tools including MiWorkplace (RDi alternative) and workflow/change management solutions.
• CNX CorporationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for multiple congresses including Gold sponsorship at PSC2021, CEC2022, and exhibitor at CEC2024. CNX provides IBM i services and solutions to the European market.
• Falconstor SoftwareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor for vCEC2020, CEC2021, and exhibitor at CEC2024. Falconstor provides data storage and backup solutions for IBM Power systems.
• Raz-Lee Security / iSecurityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2022, CEC2023, and CEC2024. Raz-Lee provides iSecurity solutions for IBM i including anti-ransomware protection. Presents webinars on IBM i security topics.
• Midrange DynamicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor for vCEC2020 and Silver sponsor for CEC2021. Midrange Dynamics provides IBM i change management and version control solutions.
• MaxavaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2022, CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. Maxava provides IBM i high availability and disaster recovery solutions.
• CD-InvestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for PSC2021, CEC2022, and exhibitor at CEC2023. CD-Invest, founded by Koen Decorte, is specialized in IBM i application innovation and modernization, winner of IT consulting of the year award in Belgium.
• Service ExpressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2022, CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. Service Express provides IBM Power hardware and maintenance services.
• EASIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for PSC2021 and exhibitor at CEC2022 and CEC2023. EASI is a Belgian IBM i consulting company with expertise in system management and modernization.
• ARCAD SoftwareminorGTM or Marketing Partner60th Anniversary Celebrations Sponsor for CEC2022 and exhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. ARCAD provides IBM i application lifecycle management and modernization solutions.
• Profound LogicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. Profound Logic provides IBM i modernization, development tools, and RPG open-source solutions.
• TD SYNNEXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. TD SYNNEX is a technology distributor providing access to IBM Power solutions and services.
• InforminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. Infor provides industry-specific ERP and cloud solutions including IBM i-based applications.
• ConnectriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023, CEC2024, and CEC2025. Connectria provides IBM i cloud hosting, managed services, and support.
• TechChannelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2023 and CEC2025. TechChannel provides IBM i educational content and media resources.
• Red HatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExhibitor/sponsor for CEC2024. Red Hat provides open-source software solutions and is an IBM subsidiary, supporting Linux on IBM Power Systems.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ODTUG (Oracle Development Tools User Group): An independent, member-driven community for Oracle development tools professionals, run on a non-profit, conference-centric model. Comparable in size, scope and operating style to Common Europe, but oriented to the Oracle development ecosystem.
• ASUG (Americas' SAP Users' Group): An independent, member-funded professional association serving enterprise SAP users in the Americas. ASUG shares Common Europe's membership-association model, annual flagship conference, vendor sponsorship model and education-focused mission — but is aligned to SAP rather than IBM.
• VMUG (VMware User Group): An independent, member-funded community of VMware users running local chapters, an annual conference and educational programming. VMUG parallels Common Europe as a vendor-aligned (formerly), non-profit IT community organisation funded by both member dues and technology sponsorships.
• Data3 (Common Sweden): Common Sweden is a national affiliate of Common Europe that operates its own local events and education programs for IBM i users in Sweden. As a country-level peer operating under a similar non-profit community model, it provides a useful scaling reference point within the Common Europe network.
• Oracle User Group Community: Oracle's vendor-aligned user community, providing user groups, conferences and education for Oracle database and application professionals. Closely mirrors Common Europe's structure of national/regional chapters, an annual flagship conference, and influence over vendor strategy.
• COMMON (North America): The North American counterpart and affiliated partner of Common Europe, and the largest IBM i / Power user association worldwide. Both organisations run annual congresses, share content library access via partnership, and target the same IBM technology community — making COMMON NA the most directly comparable peer.

Regional players

• COMMON Belgium: A national IBM user group and direct member of the Common Europe umbrella, running local Belgian events and education. Comparable as a peer organisation structure (member-funded, volunteer-led, IBM i-focused), though operating within rather than alongside Common Europe's network.

Broad incumbents

• The Linux Foundation: A major open-source community and standards organisation supporting Linux and related technologies — including Linux on IBM Power Systems, which Common Europe explicitly covers. Overlapping in scope (community-building, events, certification, standards influence) but operating at materially larger scale.
• SAP Community: SAP's official community platform for SAP users, partners and developers, hosting forums, learning content and influencer programs. Operates a much broader scale than Common Europe but exercises overlapping functions: education, networking, and structured feedback into vendor product direction.

Others

• IBM Champion Program: IBM-managed global recognition program for external experts who advocate for IBM technologies — many IBM Champions for Power in EMEA are also active within Common Europe. Comparable as an ecosystem rather than direct competitor; complements Common Europe's recognition programs (e.g. Hall of Fame).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CommonEurope
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/common-europe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Common Europe