What is .eu?
.eu is a new ccTLD proposed by EURid, who is currently in contractual
negotiations with ICANN. The new ccTLD is earmarked for those businesses and
individuals residing in the European community. The Sunrise Period will commence
in the 4th quarter of 2005 and open registrations are slated to begin in 2006.
Who is eligible to register a .eu domain name when it becomes
available?
The following may apply for a .eu domain name:
Undertakings having their registered office, central administration
or principal place of business with the European Community.
Organizations established within the European Community
without prejudice to the application of national law.
Natural persons residing within the European Community.
When will .eu registrations become first
come, first served?
Approximately four months after the start of the Sunrise period, .eu domain names
will be available to register on a first come, first served basis. This is expected
in 2006.
May I pre-register a .eu domain name now?
No. There are currently no EURid accredited registrars to pre-register
a .eu domain name. Registrations will be available to qualified candidates with
trademarks during the Sunrise Period in the 4th quarter of 2005. Four months
after the beginning of the Sunrise Period, first come, first served registrations
begin for qualified applicants. See our .eu Overview for
details on who may register a .eu domain name.
May I dispute a registration during first come, first served
registrations?
Yes, you may request an Alternative Dispute Resolution. During open registration,
if you suspect a speculative or abusive registration in the .eu TLD, you may
contact EURid, who will create a panel to investigate. If your dispute
is successful, you will be awarded the .eu domain name, provided you meet the
validation criteria. For information on Sunrise Period disputes, visit our Sunrise
FAQs.
How much will a .eu registration cost?
Prices have not yet been determined as there are currently no EURid accredited
registrars. However, the registration fee will be in Euros.
How many years may I register a .eu domain name for?
Qualified candidates may register a .eu domain name for 1 year at a time. At
the end of each year, the registrant will have the opportunity to renew the name
for another year.
Should I discontinue my gTLD (ex. .com) domain names in favor
of a .eu domain name?
There is no need to discontinue use of your current domain names. You can simply
forward your .eu domain name to your existing site. A .eu domain name is a complimentary
addition to be joined with your current portfolio of domain names with various
TLDs.
What are the character limits for .eu domain names?
There is a minimum of 2 characters and a maximum of 63 characters. The English
alphabet, numerals and hyphens (-) are acceptable characters. The domain name
may not begin or end with a hyphen, hyphens may not be adjacent to one another
and hyphens may not be used at the 3rd and 4th positions. IDN is not available
at this time and is expected to available sometime in the future.
Are there any reserved or blocked .eu domain names?
Yes. Two letter alpha codes representing the current ccTLDs are blocked from
registration at this time (ex. fr.eu is blocked). Geographical and geopolitical
concepts are also blocked from registration. Some names are permanently blocked,
while EURid, the EU or the governments of member states, EEA countries
and candidate countries reserve others for use. A full list is expected to be
available sometime this year. Check here often for updates as they become available.
Can I register directly with EURid?
No. Applicants must register .eu domain names through a EURid accredited
Registrar. EURid is expected to begin the accreditation process of interested
Registrars in May 2005.
May I change ownership of a .eu domain name after I have
registered?
Yes. However, there is a fee equal to the registration of 1 year for this change.
The consent of both parties, both old and new owners, will also need to complete
documentation.
Must I list valid contact information when requesting a .eu
domain name?
When the .eu TLD becomes available, you MUST provide accurate contact information
for the domain name. EURid may delete a .eu domain name with invalid
contact information.
What will happen to a registered .eu domain name if it is
not renewed?
EURid will put the name in quarantine for 40 days after expiration.
During this time, the current owner may renew the name. There may be an extra
fee for removing the name from quarantine, in addition to the renewal fee. After
40 days, the name will be released into the available names pool.
