Ecosia Partners With Qwant Launches Staan, A European Search Perspective

This breakthrough comes from its joint venture with Qwant, called European Search Perspective (EUSP). Together, they’ve built Staan (Search Trusted API Access Network), a new search index designed to power a sovereign and privacy-focused search infrastructure for Europe.

For the first time in its 16-year journey, Ecosia users in France will begin seeing search results sourced directly from EUSP’s independent European index. The rollout targets covering 30% of all French search queries by year-end.

“This is a milestone moment for Ecosia and European tech,” said Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia “Having our own search infrastructure is a critical step for digital plurality and for building a sovereign European alternative.

With more control over our offering, we can better serve users, develop ethical AI, and double down on our mission to build tech that benefits people and the planet.”

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Much of Europe’s search, cloud and AI infrastructure still relies on American Big Tech, leaving critical sectors from journalism to climate tech vulnerable to external political and commercial influence. Creating an independent search index isn’t just symbolic; it’s a crucial move to strengthen Europe’s long-term competitiveness and digital sovereignty.

Ecosia and Qwant previously depended on syndication platforms, but by collaborating to build their own backend technology and a European search index, they’re gaining more control over their infrastructure—while also paving the way for a strong, competitive alternative for other search engines and AI players in Europe.

“This isn’t just about better search - it’s about the freedom to build and shape the future of tech in Europe,” added Kroll.

“Regulators and lawmakers increasingly recognise the importance of competition and sovereignty in digital infrastructure. We hope they’ll continue supporting open, privacy-first innovation.”

While Ecosia follows a steward-owned model, EUSP is designed to welcome external investment—allowing for long-term infrastructure growth. Its search index is open to other tech companies as well, creating a foundation for stronger competition, better data privacy, and innovation in fields like generative AI.

About Ecosia

Ecosia is a search engine that uses ad revenue to plant trees. With over 20 million users, it has funded 150+ million trees worldwide restoring ecosystems, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and absorbing CO2. Be part of the world’s largest tree-planting movement and search with impact.