WRITTEN QUESTION E-3567/02

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE)and Jan Dhaene (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 December 2002)

Subject: Applications for .eu domain names

Regulation (EC) No 733/2002(1) refers to the introduction of an .eu top level domain. It states that the introduction of such a domain should increase choice and competition and promote the internal market. Article 4(2)(b) mentions the various parties who may apply for and register domain names. Article 5(2) rightly provides that, within three months of publication, Member States may notify a list of domain names with regard, for example, to geopolitical concepts. Subsequently, from 2003, a process of delegated registration is to begin via ICANN, according to the information note of November 2002 on the .eu top level domain. In the course of 2003, the various organisations, businesses and natural persons may register for a domain name. However, inquiries among a limited sample of the population suggest that not enough information is reaching the public as yet. Moreover, it has become apparent that the various internet providers have not yet arrived at a uniform price for an .eu domain name.

Can the Commission confirm the above and indicate how it intends to promote the dissemination of information to the public?

For non-governmental purposes, is the Commission in possession of an exact, predetermined schedule and procedure for applications for .eu domain names?

Does the Commission distinguish among applications for .eu domain names on the basis of whether the applicant is profit-making or non-profit-making?

If so:

- What does the Commission consider an equitable price for an application for an .eu domain name by an organisation which is profit-making and by one which is not?

- Are not public-spirited organisations such as European umbrella organisations for students, human rights organisations and European citizens' initiatives eligible for a free domain name?

If not:

- How will the Commission give non-profit-making organisations a fair chance of applying?

(1) OJ L 113, 30.4.2002, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 2003)

As underlined by the Honourable Members, the .eu Top Level Domain (TLD) should become operational in the course of 2003.

Timetable for the availability of .eu domain names

Further measures of implementation are required before the Registry effectively becomes operational. The remaining procedural steps are outlined in the .eu webpage on the Information Society website(1) and involve notably the designation of the .eu TLD Registry and the conclusion of a contract between the Registry and the Commission, the delegation of the .eu TLD to the Registry and the adoption of public policy rules.

Considering the implementation measures still required and given the need to adopt public policy rules in accordance with the procedure provided in Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 April 2002 on the implementation of the .eu Top Level Domain and after consultation of the Registry, a precise timetable for the availability of domain names in the .eu TLD cannot be provided at this stage.

Information about the .eu Top Level Domain

Information about the .eu Top Level Domain is already available from various sources which include notably the Commission website(2), press releases and the Official Journal (publication of the Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 and the Call for Expressions of Interest for the selection of the .eu TLD Registry)(3). A large part of this information is also made available through search engines. Answers to questions are directed through information services such as the infso-desk available on the Europa website(4) or Euro Info Centers.

Dissemination of information about the .eu TLD shall, in addition, be a task to be undertaken by the .eu TLD Registry. The Regulation itself imposes a consultation of the interested parties by the Registry on the initial registration policy. Recital 21 of the Regulation

clarifies that interested parties involve undertakings, organisations and natural persons in addition to public authorities. As part of the Call for Expressions of Interest for the selection of the .eu TLD Registry, applicants were requested to provide information about the measures envisaged to promote effectively the .eu TLD.

Difference between requests of .eu domain names on the basis of non-profit or for-profit organisations

The Registry will be entrusted with the organisation, the administration and the management of the .eu TLD. The Regulation provides that the Registry shall impose fees directly related to costs incurred and the Commission is reserving the means to control the management of the .eu TLD, including its pricing policy.

(1) http://europa.eu.int/information_society/topics/telecoms/internet/page2/text_en.htm.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/information_society/topics/telecoms/internet/eu_domain/index_en.htm.

(3) OJ C 208, 3.9.2002.

(4) http://europa.eu.int/information_society/newsroom/press_services/contact/text_en.htm.