Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about a new twist in the world of search engines—European companies are stepping up!

Qwant and Ecosia, two well-known European search engines, have started using a shared search index called Staan. This move aims to offer a cheaper, more privacy-focused alternative to the giants like Google and Bing.

Last year, these two teamed up in a joint venture called European Search Perspective (EUSP). Their goal? Handle around half of the search queries in France and a third in Germany by year’s end. They’re also incorporating AI features, such as summaries, into their services to compete with U.S. tech giants.

Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia, pitched Staan as a powerful tool for AI-driven research at a fraction of the usual cost. The initiative also emphasizes building a European tech ecosystem that isn’t dependent on American or Chinese tech giants, which is especially urgent given recent political shifts.

By focusing on privacy and local control, EUSP hopes to offer a safer, more Europe-centric digital infrastructure. They want to reduce reliance on foreign tech and protect sectors like journalism and climate tech from global political influences.

It’s a bold move that might reshape how Europeans search online, bringing more privacy and local control into the mix. Exciting times ahead for privacy-minded users!