Fourth Most Popular Web Domain in Europe now .eu

During the past two years, businesses, NGOs, and European Union residents have secured over 2.8 million European internet identities, making ".eu" the fourth most popular Top Level Domain in Europe and the ninth most popular domain worldwide. Promoting an online identity that is distinctly European, .eu helps citizens and businesses reap the full benefits of the single market and the freedoms that this provides.

EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media Viviane Reding said that the creation of a trustworthy environment with a distinct European identity was at the forefront of the European Commission's vision for Europe's inclusive Information Society. "Early adopters of .eu understood its value, and have grasped the opportunity to promote their own pan-European outlook. It should now become the natural choice for everyone in Europe," she added.

European Scientists Discover Genetic Dependence on Nicotine

Scientists from an EU-supported research consortium have discovered that a mutation in a human gene confers nicotine dependence. Roughly half those of European descent carry at least one copy of this genetic variant, which does not influence smoking initiation, but makes it more difficult to quit.

"This breakthrough has been achieved thanks to the expertise and dedication of European researchers but also because more and more European scientists are working together," said European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik. "The European Union has been supporting health research for more than 20 years and we see clearly the benefits arising from these collaborations."

The research is part of the European project GENADDICT (Genomics, Mechanisms and Treatment of Addiction) supported by the EU's Sixth Framework Program for research and by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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EU Provides Assessment Tool to Help Protect Africa's Wildlife

The European Commission has launched an online information system to help protect biodiversity in Africa, home to many of the world's most valuable natural ecosystems and species on the planet. Based on the latest advances in satellite technology, the website allows park managers to compare current fire activity, vegetation growth, and rainfall against seasonal norms. It will help decision makers regularly assess the state of Africa's protected areas and to prioritize them according to biodiversity values and threats.

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EU Launches Fund to Boost Energy Efficiency in Developing Countries

The European Commission has launched a fund to mobilize private investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in developing countries and economies in transition. Targeted at small-scale projects, the Commission will kick-start the fund with a contribution of up to 80 million euros over the next four years.

"Developing countries must have access to affordable and clean energy supplies: this is a prerequisite for sustainable development," said European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel. "This fund can foster private investments and become a real source of sustainable development, especially in Africa."

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EU Strengthens Gun Control

The European Commission has welcomed new measures to strengthen control of the acquisition and possession of firearms in the EU. The new measures require that firearms be marked at the time of manufacture, establish computerized filing systems to maintain data on firearms for at least 20 years, and strengthen controls on firearms used by anyone under 18.

"By beefing up our tracing systems and requirements, notably as regards minors, citizens will be better protected against the uncontrolled circulation of firearms,” said European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen.

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EU Commissioner Almunia Discusses Euro's Global Role during U.S. Visit

During his recent Washington, DC, visit, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Policy, Joaquín Almunia, discussed the role of the euro in the global economy when he spoke at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

"The euro area and the euro are playing an increasingly important role in supporting the stability of the world economy and the global financial system," said Commissioner Almunia.

Commissioner Almunia noted that that the rising international status of the euro is beneficial, but it also carries new risks and responsibilities for the euro area. "It raises the exposure of the euro area – including its financial system – to shocks originating in other parts of the world and to disruptive portfolio shifts between key international currencies," he said. "And it is precisely such shocks that are likely to occur more frequently in a world characterized by financial and economic globalization."

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