The European Parliament disconnects Google: MEPs must use the French search engine Qwant
The European Parliament has taken a significant step towards digital sovereignty by officially switching its default search engine from Google to the French provider Qwant. This decision, effective June 4th, marks a symbolic move to bolster European digital independence and reduce reliance on non-EU tech giants. It underscores a growing trend in European policy circles to foster and utilize domestic digital solutions. This transition involves equipping the Parliament's computers with Qwant as the pre-selected search engine, meaning it will automatically load when a user opens a web browser or seeks to perform a search. While the exact number of devices affected is not specified, the scope of this change impacts all official parliamentary workstations, directly influencing daily digital operations within the institution. This initiative directly supports European companies operating in the digital search market. The implications of this policy are far-reaching, particularly for European digital alternatives and the broader goal of reducing Big Tech's dominance. By prioritizing Qwant, the Parliament not only supports a European technology company but also sends a clear message about the value it places on data privacy and European technological solutions. This move is likely to encourage similar adoptions by other European institutions and potentially by the general public.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
Why this matters for European digital sovereignty
The European Parliament's switch to Qwant as its default search engine is a concrete step towards digital sovereignty, aiming to reduce reliance on non-EU tech giants. This decision champions a European tech company and signals a broader institutional commitment to fostering domestic digital solutions and supporting European businesses. The move directly influences daily digital operations and sends a message about the value placed on data privacy and European technological alternatives.
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