The European Parliament replaced Google with the French privacy-focused search engine Qwant as the default tool on all institutional computers starting June 4, 2026. The switch, affecting Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox browsers, aims to increase digital sovereignty and align internal practices with the European Union’s data privacy regulations.
The transition applies to all institutional computers used by lawmakers and staffers. An official internal email communicated the directive to officials.
The European Parliament stated the change is “in line with the Parliament’s commitment to digital sovereignty and the protection of users’ personal data.” By adopting a European alternative, the institution aims to reduce systemic dependence on U.S. technology giants and ensure internal operations mirror the privacy standards of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While Qwant is now the default, the system does not implement a hard technical lockout. Users can manually change their search engine.
The move provides Qwant with a high-profile reference customer. This institutional validation may encourage other European government bodies to adopt domestic privacy-focused tools.
The shift to Qwant follows a broader European Union effort to reduce dependency on non-EU technology providers. By integrating a French privacy-first search engine, the Parliament aims to lead by example in applying the GDPR and pursuing a more autonomous European digital infrastructure.