The Road to e-Governement 2.0

 Extract from the 2007 Summer Review magazine
 

The European Commission’s i2010 strategic policy framework mandates measures to encourage member states to exchange protected data as fluidly as possible. The program is supporting the development of a framework for the definition of common e-ID standards, including biometrics.
 

European Commissioner Per Blixt sums up the core aspects of e-government 2.0. An action plan lists targets for 2010, based on member states’ suggestions:

• no citizen to be left behind: all citizens to enjoy secure, easy, innovative access to services by 2010,
   
• to make efficient government a reality; to boost satisfaction, transparency and accountability; to cut out red tape and to optimize benefits,
   
• to implement key services having a powerful impact on citizens and business, with 100% of public procurement to take place on line by 2010, versus 50% today,
   
• to establish key indicators allowing citizens and business to enjoy secure, userfriendly, interoperable services by 2010,
   
• to encourage democratic participation and boost citizens’ involvement in decision making.

Today the smart card is widely regarded as the most secure authentication medium, simultaneously preventing identity fraud and effectively protecting citizens’ personal data. This makes it a medium of choice for access to e-government applications. Its potential for providing a wide array of services means its ergonomics can be optimized for many different uses. Beyond a simple State-issued identity card, it is the ideal format for a true citizen’s card giving access to a maximum of services.