From FSFE's published "Self-Conception": "The people of the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE), see ourselves as Europeans from different cultures with the shared goal of co-operation across cultures and of developing a common culture of co-operation from a regional to a global level. We form a non-profit non-governmental organisation and network that itself is part of a global network of people with common goals and visions. We are not representative for anyone but ourselves and our work. Our common work and dedication to freedom in all aspects of digital society is what defines us."

Internally, the FSFE has a consensus-oriented, team structure in which participation is determined by each persons willingness to participate and do work. A democratic and representative-democratic model functions as a fallback for when the consensus-based approach either reaps no results or a quick decision is needed.

Legal structure

The FSFE has a modular legal structure with a central "Hub" organisation and the possibility of local legal bodies, called "Chapters". The Hub is a charitable association ("e.V.") which is, by happenstance, registered in Germany.

Associate organisations

As well as being in regular contact with the other FSFs (FSF, FSFI, FSFLA), FSFE has a structure of organisations which are "official associates". These are mostly national-level free software groups.

Associate organisations are independent of the FSF Europe and entirely autonomous. They are completely self-run and -managed in all aspects (such as membership, statutes, finances and so on).

Being associate means being formally allied and having immediate access to the FSF Europe. So associates are usually involved in the internal communication and consideration process. They also work together for campaigns and events such as tradeshows.

Associate organisations are:

Association For Free Software (AFFS)
A membership organisation which promotes and defends Free Software in the UK.

Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL)
A Portuguese non-profit association dedicated to the promotion, development, research and study of Computing Freedom and its social, political philosophical, cultural, technical and scientific implications.

Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure (FFII)
A non-profit association under German law that promotes a sustainable development of public information goods based on copyright, free competition and open standards.

Verein zur Förderung Freier Informationen und Software e.V.
The ffis e.V. is a German non-profit association of Free Software enthusiasts that supports the development and establishment of free information and Free Software with various events and projects.

Free Software Initiative of Japan
A Japanese non-profit association to further Free Software.

Organisation for Free Software in Education and Teaching (OFSET)
a not for profit French international association under the law of 1901. It has been set up in response to the slow development of free educational software for the GNU system. It will promote all possible forms of development and localisations needed by the world wide education system.

Fundación Vía Libre
Argentinian Foundation for Free Software

Wilhelm Tux
Campaign for Free Software. Swiss non-profit for Free Software.

Irish Free Software Organisation
Founded by Free Software supporters working on the EU Software Patents directive, IFSO's aim is to promote Free Software in Ireland, and to fight against laws that would harm Free Software - both from the Irish government and from the European Union.

Free Software Network Serbia
Free software organization from Serbia.