E-mail and Web addresses ending in “.eu” should appear on the Internet within the next year or so, giving Europeans a unified presence online.

Within weeks, “.eu” is expected to be formally entered into the 13 computers that form the master directories for the Domain Name System, EURid said in a statement. It will be months, though, before companies, groups and individuals can begin to register “.eu” names. The four-month sunrise period is expected to begin in the fourth quarter, meaning regular registrations won’t begin until early next year.

Supporters of the domain name believe “.eu” – for European Union – will help promote European identity and create greater visibility for pan-European e-commerce.