The European Parliament is replacing Google with the French search engine Quant as the default tool on its internal computers [1].
This shift represents a significant move toward reducing reliance on American technology giants. By adopting a European alternative, the institution aims to implement stricter controls over how data is handled within its administrative infrastructure.
The transition became effective on June 4, 2024 [1]. The decision focuses on the technical environment of the Parliament's internal hardware, moving away from the global dominance of Google's search algorithms in favor of a regional provider.
According to an internal memo reported by Politico, the change was made because "Quant will replace Google as the default search engine on European Parliament computers as of June 4" [1]. The move is designed to ensure that the legislative body's digital operations align with its broader policy goals regarding technology and privacy.
The institution cited specific motivations for the change in the same internal communication. The memo said the decision "comes in line with the Parliament's commitment to digital sovereignty and the protection of users' personal data" [1].
Digital sovereignty has become a central pillar of European Union policy. The goal is to create a digital ecosystem where the bloc can operate independently of non-EU entities, especially regarding the storage and processing of sensitive government information.
Quant, the French search engine, positions itself as a privacy-centric alternative that does not track users or build personal profiles. This alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards makes it a strategic choice for a body that helps draft and oversee such regulations.
“The European Parliament is replacing Google with the French search engine Quant.”
This move signals a practical application of the EU's 'strategic autonomy' doctrine. By removing Google from its internal systems, the European Parliament is not merely changing software but is attempting to lead by example in the push for European-made tech alternatives. It highlights a growing tension between the EU's regulatory goals for data privacy and its historical dependence on U.S.-based cloud and search infrastructure.
