DNS4EU Launches Server in Spain: Introducing the New European Public DNS for a Safer and Sovereign Internet

Europe is taking a step forward in its digital sovereignty strategy with the official launch of DNS4EU, the public naming resolution system, which now has its first active server in Spain as of this month. This initiative aims to provide a European alternative to popular U.S. public DNS services, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare, while also adding threat filtering, enhanced privacy, and full compliance with EU regulations.

Why is a European DNS important?

The DNS service, essential for web browsing, translates domain names into IP addresses that servers can understand. While telecommunications operators have historically provided this service, the reality is that millions of Europeans use public services daily, such as 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), often unknowingly. However, this external dependency is concerning to Brussels, as it sees sensitive data and response capabilities to incidents being out of European control.

With DNS4EU, the European Commission reinforces privacy, protection against threats, and technological independence, ensuring that data and service management remain within the community territory, under strict privacy laws and with local threat intelligence.

Five modes of protection: choose your security level

One of the key strengths of DNS4EU is the ability for users to select their desired level of filtering, from free browsing to maximum protection (blocking malware, ads, and adult content). This flexibility makes it an adaptable service for families, businesses, institutions, and individual users.

Here’s the table of main configurations for IPv4, IPv6, DoH, and DoT:

The Spanish server, identified as EU-MAD-01, is now operational and connected to national exchange points, ensuring low latency and a high degree of integration with local infrastructure.

A secure, collaborative European infrastructure

The consortium responsible for DNS4EU, led by the Czech company Whalebone and involving entities from ten countries, has established fourteen resolvers strategically distributed throughout Europe, all utilizing anycast technology to improve performance and resilience against failures or attacks.

Unlike other services, DNS4EU relies on regional threat intelligence, provided by the CERT and CSIRT of each country. This allows for real-time blocking of malicious sites and malware campaigns that specifically affect European users, adapting filters to the realities of each region.

Privacy and legal compliance at the forefront

DNS4EU strictly adheres to GDPR and European cybersecurity regulations, keeping all data and processes within the Union. Its use is completely voluntary and will never be imposed on citizens or businesses, thus guaranteeing neutrality and freedom of choice.

How to set it up?

The user only needs to change the DNS addresses in their router, computer, or mobile device to those of DNS4EU, choosing the preferred filtering level. Guides for the main operating systems and devices are already available on the official website.

What does it offer compared to other DNS services?

• European digital sovereignty: data and services managed within the EU
• Active protection: real-time blocking of malware, phishing, and other risks
• Guaranteed privacy: no data collection for third parties, with strict GDPR compliance
• Optional and open: any user, operator, or business can use it

With DNS4EU, Europe is moving towards a safer, more private, and autonomous Internet, where citizens and organizations can browse with greater confidence and control. The European digital future now has a new guardian.