EU companies and public bodies can register an .eu
domain name from next week.
The .eu domain is an alternative to the .com or .org domains
currently on offer.
International companies with a strong European presence are
expected to register for a .eu domain to operate Europe-specific
websites.
The registration of domains is being done in three stages to
reduce the chance of cyber-squatters from cashing in from the
process.
Cyber-squatters quickly buy up popular or known names for the
potential to sell them on to legitimate businesses.
From Wednesday (December 7 for two months, only registered
trademarks, public bodies, company names and some others will be
able to adopt an .eu domain.
A second registration phase will begin on 2 February, when
companies with unregistered trademarks or trade names can
apply.
The registration process will be open to all from April, when
the first .eu domains will be in use.
The registration process is being run by EURid, on behalf of
US-based ICANN, which controls the worldwide domain name
process.