The first 4-months of operation, the so-called 'Sunrise' period, will enable those with prior rights within the European Union to register their.'eu' domain names, thus preventing speculators from stepping in.

Public bodies and Government-held organisations, along with holders of registered trademarks in any of the EU 25 member States, have a priority to register corresponding '.eu' domain names during the two month period from December 7th to February 6th next year.

"The opening of the '.eu' is a major event in our industry" Xavier Buck, CEO and Founder of the EuroDNS Group, an official .eu Domain-name Registrar, observed, continuing:

"We have received an overwhelming interest in this new Domain, and we are working flat out to prepare for the opening of the .EU's doors at 11:00 am on the 7th."

Timing is crucial, as the same Trademark may be registered in different countries by different organisations, and a 'first come, first served' rule will apply with regard to the granting of the domain names.

The second phase of the Sunrise period expands this coverage to applications for '.eu' domain names corresponding to the names of companies. Phase 2 of the Sunrise period will run from February 7th to April 6th.

After the 4-month Sunrise period ends on April 7th, applications for '.eu' Domain names will be open to all.