On June 23, 2016, nearly 52% voted to leave the European Union. Theresa May, as British Prime Minister, effectively launched the exit process on March 29, 2017. Now, after the contractually scheduled two-year negotiation period, the resignation is expected next year. The transition phase will continue until 2021.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is negotiating with the British government for the details of the withdrawal. According to Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator of the European Commission, these should be completed by mid-November at the latest. However, the British are not in agreement internally and therefore fear a disorderly exit, which could have a major impact on the economy.

There will also be implications for registrations or extensions of domains under the TLD .eu when the United Kingdom leaves the EU. This TLD can be registered or renewed by persons, companies and organizations based in the European Union. If the registration conditions do not change, approximately 300,000 domains are directly affected by the impact of UK owners suddenly missing .eu authorization to enroll .eu.

As domain manager, we are actively engaged to find the best solution for affected businesses. The association "eco - Verband der Internetetwirtschaft e.V." has set up a working group that deals with the political and administrative issues related to the possible Brexit scenarios. Together with other participants, we work on a concept to protect the affected domain owners in the continuation of their domain registrations - and thus, among other things, against misuse of their domains. Because according to the current state, there is the danger that criminals register the freed up domains and misuse them for their own purposes.

The European Commission is called upon to consider alternative ways to immediately lose registration rights, if necessary to create a temporary transitional phase or, at best, to adjust the registration conditions for .eu. Regardless of what the exit will look like and how the parties agree, companies and organizations based in the UK, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, or the UK overseas territories should prepare for the impact of Brexit on their domains. Adapting the domain strategy or registering possible alternatives is just two points that go along with it.

We will inform you and affected customers directly if there is new information.

References: Wikipedia, Eurid, ECO, FAZ