Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Ecosia chief criticises Mistral AI after ending partnership
Ecosia is a German search engine that aims to offer an alternative to Google Search.
Its chief executive, Christian Kroll, said he was disappointed with the quality of services from Mistral AI, a French artificial intelligence company.
Ecosia left OpenAI for Mistral AI in May, but later reversed course.
Kroll also questioned Mistral AI’s independence, noting its support from Samsung and Nvidia, and said he preferred cheaper, open Chinese models.
His criticism comes as Mistral AI launches a new model that it says is more capable.
The dispute adds to signs of strain in business partnerships between France and Germany, despite recent joint proposals by their leaders.
No further steps by either company are specified.
Ecosia founder and chief executive Christian Kroll criticised Mistral AI, saying the search engine was disappointed with the quality of its services.
Ecosia had left OpenAI in May to use Mistral AI’s services before reversing course.
Kroll also questioned Mistral AI’s energy use and its claims to sovereignty, and said he preferred cheaper, open Chinese models.
The criticism was reported by Politico on 6 October and discussed in a Le Monde article published on 12 October.
Le Monde framed the dispute as another sign of weakening partnerships between France and Germany.
- Who
- Christian Kroll, founder and chief executive of Ecosia, criticised Mistral AI.
- What
- Ecosia ended its partnership with Mistral AI after switching from OpenAI to its services. Kroll criticised Mistral AI’s service quality.
- When
- Kroll’s comments were reported on 6 October. The date Ecosia ended the partnership is not stated.
- Where
- The dispute involves the German search engine Ecosia and the French AI company Mistral AI.
- Why
- Kroll said Ecosia was disappointed with Mistral AI’s service quality and raised concerns about its energy use and sovereignty.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We are disappointed with the quality of Mistral [AI]
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the retreat of nuclear power in Europe’s energy mix a historical mistake.
Ecosia left OpenAI to subscribe to Mistral AI’s services.
Politico published Kroll’s criticism of Mistral AI.
Le Monde published an article discussing the dispute.
- Ecosia chief
- Christian Kroll
- Mistral AI
- French artificial intelligence company
- Previous provider
- OpenAI
- Ecosia switch to Mistral AI
- May
- Kroll’s comments reported
- 6 October
- Le Monde article published
- 12 October 2026
Sources
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