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What is the EU ? The European Union started back in 1950 following a proposal by the (then) French Foreign Minister as a way of integrating the steel and coal industries of western Europe. Six countries signed the "Treaty of Paris" in 1951 and formed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). These six countries were France, Belgium, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. So successful was this, more countries joined and the European Union (EU) grew and expanded into the body we know today. Currently, there are 25 member states and 12 countries have introduced the Euro as their currency. On the left hand side of the page you will find links to some useful sites if you are looking for more information on the EU. .eu - Europes Domain Name Europe will soon have its' own domain name suffix - .eu. For a long time Europe has been left out in the cold on the internet front but this is coming to an end soon, now dates for the launch of the .eu domain have been announced. The launch of the .eu domain is divided into three phases. These first phases are to protect intellectual property rights. The last phase (phase three) will open the .eu domain registry to everyone else. Phase one - 7th December 2005 Phase one is the initial launch and is set to begin on 7th December 2005. During phase one, only domain names which correspond to the following criteria can be applied for: Registered community or national trademarks. The full name of a public body; The acronym by which a public body is commonly known; The territory which is governed by a public body; These domain names can be applied for by the Public Body or the trademark holder or licensee. Phase Two - 7th February 2006 During phase two of the .eu domain launch, domains which meet the following criteria can be applied for: trade names company names business identifiers unregistered trademarks distinctive titles of protected literary and artistic work the names listed in phase 1 other rights that are protected under the national law of the member state where they are held Phase Three - 7th April 2006 When phase three starts, the .eu registry will open it's doors to normal registrations by everyone else. When phase three starts, anyone will be able to apply for a .eu domain name and Europeans will be able to have their own domain name which uniquely identifies them as being from (and a part of) Europe. If you are interested in registering a .EU domain name, we recommend you try BB-Online, ICANN accredited and who are also an accredited .eu registrar: BB-Online