European Internet Search Engine for Digital Sovereignty from Big Tech 

Qwant and Ecosia, two European search engines, announced on October 24, 2023, a partnership to develop a European search index to lessen their dependence on US tech giants Google and Microsoft.  

The joined venture, named European Search Perspective (EUSP) will test revamped search results in France early 2025, and in Germany by the end of 2025, according to Wired.  

Finding Alternatives to Google and Microsoft 

The collaboration between both companies is driven by increasing API costs and the ambition to create an independent, sustainable search infrastructure, particularly as generative AI becomes a dominant force in the digital landscape. 

Qwant and Ecosia rely on search APIs from Bing and Google to control their search results. Yet, following significant hikes in Bing’s API pricing and growing concerns over data sovereignty and user privacy, the two companies have decided to develop a separate Europe google search engine. 

They have formed a 50/50 joint venture called European Search Perspective (EUP), which will develop and operate their own search index tailored to meet privacy and innovation standards unique to Europe. 

The companies’ main goal is reducing dependency on big techs, and not only limit operational costs, but also enhance AI capabilities, through GenAI integration. Qwant and Ecosia are not currently working on developing their own large language models (LLMs) from scratch, so they will continue leveraging API access to major LLM platforms to power their GenAI features. 

“We are committed to providing unbiased search results that are not tailored to an individual’s browsing history,” CEO of Qwant, Olivier Abecassis, said they want to gain control over the search engines to ensure privacy and security.  

Unlike Google, Qwant is built based on privacy-first experience that does not rely on tracking user behavior. 

“The landscape is changing, and with AI tools becoming more widespread, there is a clear need for a new kind of search engine that can deliver unique experiences without compromising user privacy or relying on monopolistic platforms,” Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia, pointed out the potential advantages of building a European search engine, following the regulatory framework of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).  

Building Top European Search Engines 

The European web search engine will reduce the reliance on Big Tech giants Google and Microsoft, while challenging new developments especially in integrating Generative AI into Search.  

The CEO of Quant, Olivier Abecassis emphasized that building their own search foundation will give them the flexibility to innovate freely, without the limitations of existing search providers. This innovation also reflects a broader strategy to shape the future of search, with GenAI playing a crucial role in how users interact with digital information, directly improving the search experience. 

Beacons of Future Engines 

Ecosia and Qwant’s collaboration to develop a European search index is another step towards European digital sovereignty from US-based companies. The goal mirrors that of the EU’s DMA, pushing more privacy-focused alternatives. The strategy will expand the European search engines in many European countries and limit US-based search engines. 

Unlike rivals like Brave, EUP is targeting a different search engine that prioritizes privacy while offering unbiased, non-personalized results, according to International Business Times.  

The push by Ecosia and Qwant for an independent search engine highlights Europe’s growing need to regain control over its digital infrastructure. The birth of a privacy-focused search engine could threaten old Big Tech companies. But, both companies’ success will depend on how well they balance innovation with user trust, potentially reshaping Europe’s digital landscape away from Google’s dominance. 

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