Europe Gets a Name in Cyberspace

April 7, 2006 -- -- For the millions of Internet users in Europe, this is an exciting time, because the new .eu domain became available today to any European Union resident or any organization or company established within the EU.

The European Commission is preparing for the official launch of this top-level domain, which is intended to supplement, rather than replace, existing domain names. Until the launch of .eu, Europeans starting an Internet site had to choose either a dot-com domain, which many around the world associate with the United States, or a national domain such as .uk for residents of the United Kingdom.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN -- which manages Internet domains -- has given the official go-ahead. The negotiations between ICANN and the European Registry of Internet Domain Names, or EURid, lasted nearly six months, though no one can explain what took so long. Until recently, ICANN had favored a strict limitation on new domain names.

"I expect Europe's top-level domain, .eu, to become similarly as important as dot-com," Viviane Reding, the EU's information and media commissioner said in a statement.

Reding added that this new domain would protect businesses and organizations from cyber criminals. It also offers a European alternative to the traditional dot-com and .co.uk web addresses.

Jonathan Robinson, a director at NetNames.com -- one of the first registrars able to take applications -- said the market has eagerly awaited the .eu domain name.

"It is finally a reality, and we are pleased because it offers an opportunity for individuals and firms alike to take advantage of a new domain and a greater chance to secure a domain name of their choice," he said.

Applicants for the new domain are required to submit documentary evidence of their right to the domain within 40 days of applying.

"If you view the Internet as a global village, then .eu is just another street added to it. We of course hope that it will soon become a big boulevard, but any European user is of course free to use any other street," according to the EU's fact sheet on the new .eu domain.

Trademark holders and public bodies hope that the introduction of the .eu domain will create an awareness of the Internet as a global medium for trade and the exchange of information.

Another benefit is the recognition the new domain will bring to businesses all over the continent, as companies operating within the 25 EU member countries.

But this new initiative is not without its critics.

Internet watchers and analysts believe the launch of .eu only increases the challenges brands will face in the European Union. Moreover, some Internet analysts say there is no technological need for a new domain, and that the existing system already works well enough.

There could also be disputes in cases when two or more parties claim they have a previous right or trademark to use a certain domain name.

According to NetNames.com, "sex" has been the most disputed application since EURid began accepting early applications last December.

There are 236 applicants claiming the right to sex.eu, and 123 applicants are arguing over the use of hotel.eu.

Registrations for the .eu domain officially opened to the public today. It is being handled by EURid, a private sector company that got the first live .eu domain name, in consultation with the European Internet community.

Would such a unique domain work in the United States? The answer from analysts is simple.

"There is no reason why it cannot so far as the systems are in place and everyone understands what this is all about," said Jo Best of Silicon.com, a Web site for IT professionals.

She added that it might be far easier for the United States to adopt its own domain, since it is one country with a single language.