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The .eu top-level domain (until 2022)
SUMMARY OF:
Regulation (EC) 733/2002 — on the implementation of the .eu top level domain
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?
It establishes how the ‘.eu’ internet address suffix, known as the top-level domain (TLD) is implemented. In particular, the regulation provides for a registry to be set up and establishes the general rules for the functioning of this registry.
KEY POINTS
The ‘.eu’ top-level internet domain gives the EU its own internet identity. It aims to boost the visibility of the EU on the internet, increase users' choice of domain names and promote the development of electronic commerce within the internal market.
The creation of the ‘.eu’ TLD is one of the objectives set out in the eEurope 2002 action plan in order to accelerate electronic commerce and promote the use of the internet.
The ‘.eu’ domain is additional to those which already exist within the EU, it does not replace them. It gives users the option of having a pan-European internet identity (mainly website or e-mail addresses).
Objectives
The implementation of the ‘.eu’ TLD addresses several objectives:
Registry
The registry is run by a non-governmental organisation under a contract with the European Commission.
It has the following tasks:
Policy rules
The Commission is responsible for adopting the public policy rules concerning the implementation and functions of the .eu TLD and the public policy principles on registration. These rules include in particular:
Reservation of rights
The EU retains all rights relating to the ‘.eu’ TLD including, in particular, intellectual property rights and other rights to the registry databases.
Implementation
The Commission must submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation, effectiveness and functioning of the .eu TLD every two years.
Repeal
Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 has been repealed by Regulation (EU) 2019/517 on the .eu top-level domain. Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 will be in force until 12 October 2022.
FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?
It has applied since 30 April 2002.
BACKGROUND
In April 2016, the .eu TLD celebrated its 10th anniversary.
For more information, see
MAIN DOCUMENT
Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 April 2002 on the implementation of the .eu Top Level Domain (OJ L 113, 30.4.2002, pp. 1-5)
Subsequent amendments to Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Regulation (EU) 2019/517 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 on the implementation and functioning of the .eu top-level domain name and amending and repealing Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 874/2004 (OJ L 91, 29.3.2019, pp. 25-35)
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation, functioning and effectiveness of the .eu Top-Level Domain (COM/2017/0725 final of 4.12.2017)
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation, functioning and effectiveness of the .eu Top-Level Domain (COM(2015) 680 final of 18.12.2015)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 874/2004 of 28 April 2004 laying down public policy rules concerning the implementation and functions of the .eu Top Level Domain and the principles governing registration (OJ L 162, 30.4.2004, pp. 40-50).
See consolidated version.
last update 29.08.2019