The EU made a similar call in 2011 the last time Icann's agreement with the US Department of Commerce came up for renewal. Its latest statement comes as Icann's High-Level Panel on global governance meets this month to discuss proposals for widening the stakeholders involved in managing the internet.
The EU backs a multistakeholder approach, under which a rotating group of non-governmental organizations, countries, academics and private sector representatives manage Icann's policies and activities. This would be supported by a commitment to improve the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of Icann's operations and a set of principles underlining the need to maintain the "open and unfragmented" nature of the internet.
The EC's Communication also calls for strengthening the global Internet Governance Forum, launching a Global Internet Policy Observatory and reviewing the national law and jurisdictions applicable to Icann and its work.
After its meeting later this month, Icann's High-Level Panel will release a report for public consideration. At its next meeting in Dubai in May it will consider the feedback and publish a final report with recommendations.
