The European Commission has launched an online survey asking citizens if they feel threatened or worried by "cyber-squatters".

The Commission fears that cyber-squatters might undermine the launch of the European Union's new .eu internet domain, and says it will use the findings of the consultation to consider taking action.

In a statement, European Information Society commissioner Erkki Liikanen said: "Cyber-squatting could prejudice our efforts to make .eu one of the engines to boost internet use and ecommerce in Europe."

The Commission is banking on the .eu domain to raise Europe's profile as an internet power and to facilitate ecommerce by creating an area undisputedly operating under EU laws.

It expects companies and organisations active throughout the bloc to register with the new domain name.

Citizens have until 31 October, 2002 to complete the online questionnaire, available on the Commission's website.