The European Parliament on Thursday adopted new rules, relaxing the current eligibility criteria for the .eu domain.
Top level internet domain .eu is the eighth largest domain on the internet and had more than 3.8 million registrations in 2017.
To meet the needs of an ever-changing digital environment, the European Parliament adopted new rules so that the benefits reach as many people, organisations, and companies as possible, especially young people, small and medium-sized enterprises and non-governmental organisations.
However, a domain name can be blocked if it is considered to be defamatory, racist or contrary to public policy or public security.
“I believe the domain name can support the digital single market by enhancing an online European identity and encouraging online cross-border activities. With this decision we have strengthened the criteria by which a website can be blocked, adding reference to rule of law safeguards”, said Swedish ALDE member Fredrick Federley, the MEP in charge of steering the new rules through Parliament.
People with an .eu domain have their rights as consumers and individuals protected by European rules and standards.
Companies profit from increased internet visibility, both within the EU and globally.
-
EU citizens, regardless of where they live
-
Non-EU citizens living in the EU or in a country that is a member of the European Economic Area
-
Companies based in the EU or in a country that is a member of the European Economic Area
-
Organisations based in the EU or in a country that is a member of the European Economic Area