The .eu top-level domain

 

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2019/517 on the implementation and functioning of the .eu top-level domain name

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

• The regulation updates the rules about the .eu top-level domain (TLD), as part of the European Union’s (EU) new digital single market strategy. It aims to reinforce the EU’s online identity and encourage cross-border online activities.
• Due to the rapid evolution of the TLD market (for example, new domain name extensions such as .com and .org being introduced) and the volatility of the digital landscape, a modernised, more flexible and sustainable regulatory environment for the .eu TLD was introduced by the regulation, replacing the old legal framework with a lighter, more efficient and future-proof principle-based legal instrument.
• The regulation creates a new governance structure, involving a separate multi-stakeholder body, with the goal of strengthening and widening input on the performance of the .eu TLD.
• It introduces new eligibility criteria to enable EU/European Economic Area (EEA) citizens to register a .eu domain, regardless of where they live.

KEY POINTS

Promoting and safeguarding EU values

The purpose of the .eu domain, as a clear and easily recognisable label, is to contribute to strengthening the EU’s profile and promoting its values online, such as multilingualism, respect for user privacy and security, and respect for human rights.

Eligibility for domain name registration

A .eu domain may be requested by:

• EU and EEA citizens, wherever they live;
• non-EU citizens residing in an EU Member State;
• businesses established in the EU; and
• other organisations established in the EU, if permitted under applicable national law.

Rules on cancelling (revoking) domain name registration

The Registry* may revoke a domain name on its own initiative, on the following grounds:

• there are outstanding unpaid debts owed to the Registry;
• the domain name holder is ineligible;
• the domain name holder breaches the requirements for registration requests on the following grounds:
  • a domain name deemed defamatory, racist or contrary to public policy or public security should be blocked subject to a court decision,
  • a domain name that is identical or confusingly similar to a name for which a right is established by EU or national law, and which has been registered without rights or without a legitimate interest in the name should, in principle, be revoked and, where appropriate, transferred to the legitimate holder,
  • where such a domain name has been used in bad faith, it should always be revoked.

Registry

The designated Registry is a non-profit organisation able to impose fees for costs incurred, and will:

• promote the .eu TLD within the EU and worldwide;
• comply with the rules, policies and procedures in this regulation and its contract with the European Commission, and particularly EU data protection law;
• organise, administer and manage the .eu TLD in the general interest and assure a high level of quality, transparency, security, stability, predictability, reliability, accessibility, efficiency, non-discrimination, a level playing field and consumer protection;
• ensure that abusive domain name registrations are quickly identified;
• cooperate with relevant authorities and other public bodies responsible for cybersecurity and information security, such as national computer emergency response teams.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/857 establishes the points to be included in the contract between the Commission and the Registry for the organisation, administration and management of the .eu TLD. These include:

• the principles of good governance and good management;
• security and consumer protection aspects;
• the promotion of EU objectives in internet governance;
• having policies and procedures in place to actively combat speculative and abusive domain name registrations in the .eu TLD.

WHOIS database*

The Registry is responsible for setting up and managing a WHOIS database facility providing accurate and up-to-date registration information about the domain names, including information about an administrative point of contact and domain name holders.

.eu Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group

• This group is responsible for advising the Commission on:
  • the implementation of this regulation;
  • strategic issues related to the management, organisation and administration of the .eu TLD, including cyber-protection and data protection;
  • good practices on combating abusive domain name registration.
• The Advisory Group is composed of representatives of EU-based stakeholders and a representative of stakeholders from outside the EU, chaired by a representative of the Commission or a person designated by the Commission.

Evaluation and review

• By 13 October 2027, and then every 3 years, the Commission will evaluate the effectiveness and functioning of the .eu TLD.
• In December 2020, the report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union was published. This report assesses the cooperation of the .eu Registry operator with the European Union Intellectual Property Office and other EU agencies with a view to combating abusive and speculative domain name registrations.
• Since then the Commission has taken further steps to conclude the implementation of the .eu legal framework, including the launching of the selection procedure for the next .eu Registry which was completed with the selection of EURid, and the adoption of the following legal acts:
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/857 of 17 June 2020 laying down the principles to be included in the contract between the Commission and the .eu top-level domain Registry;
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1083 of 14 May 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/517 by establishing the eligibility and selection criteria and the procedure for the designation of the Registry of the.eu TLD name;
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1862 of 4 October 2022 establishing the lists of reserved and blocked domain names under the .eu top-level domain in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/517.

Repeal

The regulation repeals Regulations (EC) No 733/2002 and (EC) No 874/2004 from 12 October 2022.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 13 October 2022. The revised domain name eligibility criterion has applied since 19 October 2019.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

• The top-level domain .eu (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENT

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).

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/857 of 17 June 2020 laying down the principles to be included in the contract between the European Commission and the .eu top-level domain Registry in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/517 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 195, 19.6.2020, pp. 52–56).

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).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 874/2004 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

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).

See consolidated version.

last update 14.10.2022