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Ecosia Activates European Search Infrastructure
Ecosia has begun delivering search results from its new European-based search index to users in France. This milestone advances the company's vision for an ethical, sovereign internet infrastructure independent of major tech platforms.
Partnership with Qwant
The development follows last year's launch of European Search Perspective (EUSP), a joint venture with French search engine Qwant. This collaboration represents significant progress toward Europe's tech independence goals.
The Staan Infrastructure
EUSP developed Staan (Search Trusted API Access Network), a sovereign search index providing privacy-first access to web data. Unlike conventional indexes controlled by few corporations, Staan offers European search engines and AI companies secure access to real-time internet data while maintaining strict privacy standards.
Digital Sovereignty Imperative
Europe's current dependence on American tech stacks for search, cloud services, and AI creates strategic vulnerabilities. An independent European index ensures competitive diversity, reduces external political/commercial pressures, and enables ethical AI development aligned with European values.
Expansion Plans
Ecosia aims to serve 50% of French searches through its European index by year-end, with subsequent expansion to other EU countries. The infrastructure will remain accessible to other European tech companies to foster innovation in generative AI and other emerging fields.
User Impact and Mission Alignment
While users won't notice immediate changes, this development strengthens Europe's digital resilience and supports Ecosia's environmental mission. Greater technical autonomy enables focused development of sustainable technologies addressing climate challenges.
