.eu domain name proves a big hit

Businesses and individuals are reported to have flocked to the new ?.eu? domain suffix since its launch in early April.

Reaction to the public launch on 7th April was immediate, according to the European Commission, with thousands of applications pouring in minutes after registration was opened. 

The process is being managed by the EURid consortium and has been handled in two phases.  The first, which began in December 2005, gave existing companies with trademarks the chance to register and thus protect their brand and image.  40,000 firms are reported to have taken up this opportunity with particular interest from businesses in Belgium and Germany.  The second stage began in April and saw registration open to the public.

The Commission hopes that the ?.eu ?domain will become a competitor to the popular ?.com?.  Further information can be found on the EURid homepage (www.eurid.eu) or by contacting your local EIC

Bradford Euro Info Centre Tel:  01274 434262  e-mail: eic@bradford.gov.uk
Leeds Euro Info Centre Tel:  0113 283 3126  e-mail: eic@leedsmet.ac.uk
Sheffield Euro Info Centre Tel:  0114 201 2595  e-mail: eic@scci.org.uk