Since the launch of .eu domain name registrations on December 7th 2005, more than 153,000 applications have been made, of which only 1600 were Irish applications, according to the Irish accredited registrar, EU Internet. According to figures released by EU Internet Irish applicants make up only 1.02% of all applications to date. Applications filed on behalf of registrants in Germany account for 35% of the total number of applications.

Until February 7th, .eu domains are being allocated to applicants who hold certain rights, such as trademark holders and public bodies. The next phase of registration will allow for the registration of business names, company names and family names. From April 7th, all restrictions will be removed and .eu domain names will be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis to any applicant who is resident in the European Union. According to EU Internet, it is vitally important that businesses and individuals register their application as early as possible, or they risk losing out on the allocation of their domain name.

Phelim O'Connell, Managing Director of EU Internet, said "I believe Irish businesses are not acting as quickly as they need to in order to secure their online brand identity by applying for their .eu domain name. Irish businesses could lose out as the rush to register domain names in other European countries takes hold. We would strongly advise business owners and sole traders to waste no time in making an application.

To apply for your .eu domain name visit http://www.euinternet.com


Country Percentage %

Germany 35.00%
Holland 15.10%
France 12.05%
UK 10.20%
Belgium 5.12%
Italy 4.09%
Sweden 4.10%
Spain 3.40%
Austria 3.20%
Czech Republic 2.50%
Denmark 2.46%
Rep.of Ireland 1.02%
Poland 1.01%
Finland 0.75%

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