Ecosia unveils Linux browser to boost EU privacy and digital sovereignty

Ecosia, the Berlin-based search engine that plants trees, has launched a Linux version of its Chromium-based web browser to support the growing European user base that values privacy, sustainability and digital independence. The firm points to a rise in Linux desktop usage across the EU, climbing from 2.5 % to 5.7 % of users between 2024 and 2025, while Windows’ share dropped from 80.2 % to 74.2 %. The new browser, available through Ubuntu’s App Center and the Snap store, joins Ecosia’s existing clients for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

Founder and CEO Christian Kroll said the release offers a search experience that matches the climate-friendly and anti-monopoly values of Linux users. The initiative ties into broader European efforts for sovereign technology, including a joint EU search index with French firm Qwant and recent EU rules forcing Google to share anonymised search data. Although built on open-source Chromium, Ecosia’s browsers remain proprietary.