'.eu' TLD launch delayed - again

The launch of the long-awaited '.eu' top-level domain (TLD) has been delayed again, this time until at least the first quarter of 2005. The TLD was expected to be launched in November (see '.eu' TLD set to go live in November).

The European Registry of Internet Domain Names (EURid), the manager of the '.eu' TLD, cannot start preparing for the launch until the European Commission has adopted the public policy rules (PPR) for the '.eu' TLD. The European Communication Committee approved the PPR last week, but as the commission still has to adopt the rules formally, further delay could occur.

Once the PPR are completed, EURid will be able to sign a formal contract with the commission and another with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, accredit registrars and prepare for the launch of a sunrise period before registration starts in earnest.

For further information on the '.eu' TLD, see '.eu' registry warns businesses to steer clear of unaccredited registrars.

Carsten Albrecht, Lovells, Hamburg