The first phase of eu domain name registration begins today, Wednesday December 7th at 11am. EU Internet, an Irish accredited registrar appointed to manage eu domain applications will begin the process of submitting applications to the registry (EURid) for validation. All applications will be validated on a first-come, first-served basis. From now until February 7th only certain rights holders, such as trademark owners and public bodies will have their applications validated. Immediately after this Businesses will be allocated their domain names and eventually, from April 7th 2006, applications from everyone in the European Union will be validated.

Phelim O'Connell, managing director of EU Internet said "We have seen a surge of applications in recent days from companies and public organisations looking to secure their eu domain. We would advise Irish businesses to waste no time in making an application as domain names will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis."

Irish businesses looking to secure their .eu domain name will be required to submit their application through an accredited registrar. Speaking at the launch of the eu domain name in Dublin recently, EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, Charlie McCreevy, said he considered the introduction of the .eu domain name to be an important development for businesses looking to extend their marketing reach across Europe. "In Ireland the eu domain name will offer Irish businesses an opportunity to market themselves to a diverse and lucrative European market."

For more information or to apply for your eu domain visit www.euinternet.com