News Summary

European search engines Qwant and Ecosia have launched a new search index called Staan, designed as a more affordable and privacy-focused alternative to Google and Bing. Developed through a joint venture named European Search Perspective (EUSP), the index aims to handle 50% of French and 33% of German search queries by year’s end. Staan targets integration in chatbots, offering power search features at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. By promoting a European tech stack, EUSP seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese technologies, bolstering Europe’s digital infrastructure amidst geopolitical uncertainties.