Implementation of the .eu Top Level Domain

Of the thirty nine amendments proposed by the European Parliament, the Commission was able to accept 23 fully. The rest were accepted in part or in principle. The most important amendments accepted are outlined below: The introduction of a new recital stating that the establishment of the .EU country code TLD will strengthen the image of the EU in terms of global information networks. The introduction of the 'Whois' -type databases and their role in boosting users confidence. The introduction of the international practice whereby Internet management is based on the principles of non-interference, self-management and self-regulation. A reference to EU legislation on the protection and privacy of personal data. Mention of the fact that the Registry will not be empowered to issue sub-domain registrations using Member State domain identities. Specifically, second level domains will not include combinations of letters which appear to refer to individual Member States. A new provision stipulating that the regulation shall apply without prejudice to arrangements in Member Stats regarding country-code Top Level Domains. An amendment defining the 'Registrar'. The provision that the Registry shall not act as a Registrar. An amendment proposing the deletion of the provision requiring that the Registry observe applicable public procurement rules. - New provision proposing explicit references to the Registry's responsibilities for accrediting .EU Registrars and thereby ensuring the integrity of the database and for the suspension, cancellation and transfer of registrations which are normal functions of a Registry. A proposal that the registry shall determine registration policy in areas not covered by general policy rules. The provision that extra-judicial settlements of conflicts policy should be settled promptly. This procedure will be either free of charge or on no more than a cost-recovery basis. In addition to the amendments accepted fully the Commission accepted the following amendments subject to some rewording. Concerning costs, the Commission can accept the Parliamentary amendment on condition that the text should now read as follows: 'All costs related to the organisation, administration and management of the .EU Top Level Domain shall be supported exclusively by the Registry.' On the question of setting up a Policy Advisory Board', the Commission proposes that 'The registry could establish an advisory body to organise such consultation.' On the matter of a 'code of conduct', the Commission can accept this concept subject to some rewording. On the question of 'first come first serve', the Commission can again, in principle, accept this policy, with the exception of cases covered by the public policy rules set out in article. Similarly, the Commission can accept the need for an implementation in a phased manner of the registration of domain names of holders with proper rights recognised orestablished by national and/or Community law. Lastly, the Commission feels that the registration of a name should at least confer rights of use to the registrant and that liability of the registry will already be covered by applicable law or by the contractual framework. �