RIPE Policy Development
The RIPE community develops and sets policies through a long established, open, bottom-up process of discussion and consensus-based decision making.
Where does it happen?
Policy development happens at RIPE Meetings (where RIPE Working Groups meet) and the RIPE Working Group mailing lists.
Who can contribute?
All RIPE Meetings and RIPE Working Group mailing lists are open to everyone.
The policy-making process involves all relevant parties. This means that discussions cannot be rushed, and anyone that could be affected by a decision should have a chance to become aware of discussions, review proposals and provide their input.
To promote and support the inclusive and open process:
- Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part in the workings of RIPE by attending RIPE Meetings and participating on RIPE Working Group mailing lists;
- Mailing lists are publicly archived;
- The minutes of working group sessions at RIPE Meetings are publicly archived;
- All policies are formally documented and publicly available.
Who contributed?
Check out our interactive maps to see the recent participation in policy discussion.
How can I contribute?
Study the list of current proposals and if you wish to take part in discussions, post messages to the appropriate RIPE Working Group mailing list noted in each proposal.
I've got a better idea
If you want to propose a policy for the RIPE community, you are free to do so. You don't have to be a member of the RIPE NCC or a regular at any of our meetings. Read the RIPE Document that outlines how the Policy Development Process (PDP) works. If you still have questions, get in touch.
Global Policy
RIPE Policies for Internet resources may differ from those used in other regions.
The RIR Comparative Policy Overview maintained by the Number Resource Organisation (NRO) gives you an overview of the policies for each Regional Internet Registry (RIR).
Official regional policy documents can be found at the respective websites of the RIRs: