Berlin-based Ecosia ends its partnership with French AI firm Mistral, citing performance gaps, server instability, and misaligned values regarding environmentalism and technological sovereignty. The search engine, known for tree planting, now pivots to open-source solutions including Chinese models. This strategic shift marks a departure from its previous reliance on European tech to reduce US dependence, highlighting tensions between Ecosia's demand for immediate stability and Mistral's rapid growth phase. The move has sparked debate in European tech circles over AI independence and vendor reliability.