CENTR
 | |
| Type: | Not-for-profit |
| Industry: | Internet governance |
| Founded: | UK (1999) |
| Headquarters: | Belliardstraat 20, 1040 Brussels |
| Country: | Belgium |
| Website: | centr.org |
| Twitter: |  @CENTRnews
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| Key People | |
| Peter Vergote, Chairman Peter Van Roste, General Manager Nina Elzer, Policy Advisor Linda Verhaegen, Office Manager Patrick Myles, Information Manager Lise Fuhr, Board Member & DK Hostmaster Rep Richard Wein, Treasurer & NIC.at Rep Giovanni Seppia, Board Member & EURid Rep Anne-Marie Eklund-Löwinder, Board Member & .se Rep | |
The Council for European National Top Level Domain Registries (CENTR) is the association of European Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) registries,[1] such as .de for Germany or .si for Slovenia. The objectives of CENTR are to promote and participate in the development of high standards and best practices among ccTLD registries.[2]
CENTR provides a forum to discuss matters of policy affecting ccTLD registries and acts as a channel of communication to Internet governing bodies and other organisations involved with the Internet. It promotes the interests of ccTLDs and advocates on their behalf.
The rules and registration procedures of ccTLD registries vary considerably and CENTR aims to collect information on, and document the practices of ccTLD registries. It provides a focal point for enquiries on such matters and encourages amongst ccTLDs the provision of better service for users.
CENTR also facilitates collaborative projects on technical managerial and legal issues affecting ccTLDs.
History edit
The project that became CENTR was formed in March 1998 and was informally funded by participating registries. In 1999, it was legally established as a not-for-profit company in the UK. Since 2006, CENTR is registered as a non-for-profit organisation based in Brussels, Belgium. CENTR activities are funded by membership fees, and performed by a secretariat based in Brussels.
Members edit
CENTR currently counts 53 full and 9 associate members – together, they are responsible for over 80% of all registered domain names worldwide. CENTR also granted Observer status to 12 organisations[3].
The ossociationrganisation has a European focus, but there are no geographical restrictions to membership. In addition to more than forty of the countries in the region, CENTR is very pleased to have as members the country code registries from a number of countries outside of Europe (such as Iran, Japan, New Zealand and Canada). CENTR welcomes the application from all country code managers.