.eu domain name celebrates it second birthday

.eu domain name celebrates it second birthday

Category

Domain Names

In the past two years 2.8 million European internet identities have been registered, making .eu, at its second birthday, the fourth most popular top level domain in Europe and the ninth worldwide.

“The creation of a trustworthy environment with a distinct European identity is at the forefront of my vision for Europe's inclusive Information Society,” said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media. “Early adopters of .eu understood its value, and have grasped the opportunity to promote their own pan-European outlook.”

She added, “It should now become the natural choice for everyone in Europe. The stronger Europe's single market for telecommunications grows, the more we ought to ensure that .eu becomes more visible, secure and affordable.”

.eu has consolidated its place among the 10 largest top level domains of the world, competing with long-established identities such as .com, .net or .org. Registrations for .eu domains have been continuously growing following the first boom year. Subscriptions for 80 per cent of domain names have been renewed for their second year.

Germany has the most .eu registrations at 31.4 per cent, followed by the Netherlands with 13.4 per cent, the UK 13.3 per cent, France 7.3 per cent and Italy 5.1 per cent.

In terms of growth, however, a different picture emerges. The number of registrations for .eu from Poland increased by 48.6 per cent in 2007, followed by Lithuania 48 per cent and Finland 39.9 per cent.

Usage and visibility of .eu continues to be strong with almost 80 per cent of registered names directing to a functioning website and/or email server.

.eu first opened on 7 December 2005 to holders of prior rights. Since April 2006, registration has been open to all EU residents and organisations with a registered seat in the EU. Management of the .eu registry is in the hands of EURid, an independent not-for-profit organisation.

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