.eu domain

Since 2006, the .eu top-level domain (TLD) has allowed users to create a Europe-wide internet identity for their websites and email addresses. Any company or organisation established in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) and every resident citizen can use it, including non-EU citizens residing in an EU Member State, or EU and EEA citizens residing outside the EU. The .eu TLD is additional to those that already exist within the EU, and does not replace them. It gives users the option of having a Europe-wide internet identity.

For citizens, the .eu TLD is a place in cyberspace where their rights as consumers and individuals are governed by EU rules and standards.

For companies or other organisations, a .eu website gives them internet visibility within the EU and beyond its borders, advertising their Europe-wide status. This contributes to an increase in e-commerce presence.

A registry is designated by the European Commission. It organises, administers and manages the .eu TLD in the general interest and is responsible for its high quality, transparency, security, stability, predictability, reliability, accessibility, efficiency and non-discrimination. It also ensures a level playing field and consumer protection, and makes sure that abusive domain name registrations are quickly identified. It works closely with competent authorities and other public bodies responsible for cybersecurity and information security, such as national computer emergency response teams.

The original rules governing the .eu TLD were adopted in 2002. These have since been revised and repealed by Regulation (EU) 2019/517 and will apply from 13 October 2022.