Main developments and key milestones (in reverse chronological order)

Last updated: October 2011

For the latest developments, see: ePractice news for eGovernment

Recent News

July 2011

'XVergabe', Germany’s eTendering cross-platform communication standards project, has since July 2011 an official website. The project XVergabe aims to develop platform-independent eTendering standards for the cross-platform exchange of documents and data between the bidders and the eTendering platforms. The standards are planned to be available in early 2012. For the time being,the xvergabe.org website contains basic project information as well as the most important documents that are released as part of the project’s work. Moreover, it includes useful links, contact details and information regarding the next steps of the project. In Germany, less than 5 % of all tenders in public procurement processes are being transmitted electronically, largely due to the fragmented and incompatible interfaces of the solutions providers.

June 2011

On 30 June 2011, at its 5th Meeting, the IT Planning Council takes the first steps towards the implementation of the new National eGovernment Strategy, with the strategic goals being outlined in a memorandum. A list of concrete implementation measures is planned to be confirmed by 13 October 2011. Their main focus is placed on the building of a federal infrastructure and the aligning of individual measurements.The members of the IT Planning Council also agreed on the joint development of an eID Strategy, which will enable citizens to securely exchange data with the administration and businesses through the Internet. The major focus is on protecting 'electronic identities' and on the simple and secure use of the services provided by the state.

May 2011

• The 'Act to regulate De-Mail services and amendments to other legislation' enters into force on 3 May 2011. De-Mail enables the sending of traceable and confidential documents and messages online. Compared to conventional e-mail, the delivery of the De-Mails can be proven. It is not possible to read or manipulate the contents of a De-Mail on its journey across the Internet. De-Mail providers will be screened in a certification process that is specified by the legislator. So far inter alia Deutsche Telekom AG, GMX.DE, WEB.DE and Deutsche Post AG have become accredited De-Mail providers.
• The Federal Ministry of the Interior and its subordinate authorities may now call on the assistance of the process management centre of excellence at the Federal Office of Administration when designing processes. After the establishment of a central process portal, the introduction of a uniform process management will thereby continue to be supported and advanced. The project is funded by the IT investment programme.

March 2011

• At Document Freedom Day on 30 March 2011, the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) awards the German City of Munich a Document Freedom Day Prize, for promoting free software by using the LiMux project. At the moment, LiMux is the largest GNU/Linux project in Germany. It is expected that with this project, 80 % of the 15 000 PC desktops of the city council of the capital city of Bavaria will have migrated to the free operating system GNU/Linux by 2013. Since 2009, all PC desktops have moved to a free office-communication platform (OpenOffice.org, Thunderbird, Firefox) and almost 6 000 computers have been using the LiMux client.
• The single phone number for contacting government authorities in Germany, 115, is among the winners of the '365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas' competition. An independent jury of experts selected 365 winners from about 2 600 applications; the winners will be introduced to the public from 1 March 2011 during a series of regional events.

News 2010-2001

2010

• Since 1 December 2010, the 115 service, the single phone number for contacting government authorities in Germany is in operation in Magdeburg, the capital city of Saxony-Anhalt. The 115 service is now expanding in more regions of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition, other federal agencies join the D115 network, including the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, as well as the Federal Railway Authority. Approximately another 50 federal agencies will be connected to the 115 service by the end of 2011. The 115 service is in operation from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 18:00. 75 % of the calls are answered within 30 seconds by the service centre staff. The D115 initiative was promoted by the governmental programme 'Integrated and transparent management'.
• Germany’s new electronic ID card is launched on 1 November 2010. The new eID card in credit card format replaces the existing national identity card and offers more functions than the current conventional ID. The online function of the national ID, enables cardholders to identify themselves online with the use of a secret PIN, when dealing with government authorities as well as private service providers, for example within eShopping or eBanking. This will make it faster, more economical and secure to open and log in to accounts, and verify addresses or age information. The secure e-ID card will help fighting Internet crime and will increase public trust in online transactions.
• In September 2010, the IT Planning Council adopts the National eGovernment Strategy, aimed at ensuring a common orientation for eGovernment activities and efforts at federal, state and local levels. The strategy envisages bringing the country into a leading position in the field of eGovernment at European level by 2015.
• In July 2010, a group of selected IT companies provides cardholders with an IT-Security toolkit to facilitate and ensure a secure use of the new eID card. It contains a secure chip card reader, information about the use of the new eID and the electronic health cards, as well as assembled components made by the companies, such as access to web-based applications or antivirus software.
• On 30 June 2010, the Minister for the Interior and Sports of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate announces the official launch of a two-year pilot project that aims to develop a 'mobile citizen service' in collaboration with fifteen municipalities of the area. The aim of the project is to equip local government staff with a modern mobile workstation.
  At the beginning of June 2010, the Ministry of the Environment and Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia launches the Geoinformation System for Integrated Rural Development portal (GISILE). The portal offers, at all times, user-friendly and updated spatial data for the main tasks pertaining to the integrated rural development in North Rhine-Westphalia.

• In May 2010, the new German electronic identity card project (Neuer Personalausweis) receives the European Identity Award 2010 in the category 'eGovernment/eHealth'. The “most important award of the year” honours the German Ministry of the Interior for their innovative and well thought-out concept that addresses concerns about data security in “exemplary fashion”.
• On 22 April 2010, the IT planning Council holds its constituent session. The new council is responsible for coordinating and steering cross-disciplined eGovernment projects involving both the Federation and the Länder. Moreover, the council replaces the 'Conference of State Secretaries responsible for eGovernment', the 'Committee for Automatic Data Processing at the Federal, State, the Local Level (KoopA ADV)', as well as related sub-committees, holding up to that time responsibility in this area.
  The Inter-Länder Agreement comes into force on 1 April 2010. This agreement implements Article 91c of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and provides the basis for the cooperation of the Federal Government and the States with respect to the utilisation of Information Technology in federal and state administrations. Moreover, this agreement provides for the establishment of the IT Planning Council, a new steering body to coordinate efforts in this field.

• In January 2010, the design of the future German identity card is unveiled. Credit-card sized and made of polycarbonate will be issued as of November 2010. The new card contains numerous security features in order to increase protection against forgery. A special feature is that the holder's details are digitally stored. It is also capable to carry a digital signature.

2009

• On 1 August 2009, within the framework of the second round of reforms of Germany's federal structure, the most important changes in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) come into force in form of the new articles 91c and 91d. The new Article 91c aims at ensuring the simplification of IT-bodies and decision-making processes. It also forms the legal basis for the establishment of consistent electronic communication between all German authorities. The new Article 91d constitutes a vital component for the modernisation of the administration as it provides the legal basis for facilitating the federation and the Länder to directly and effectively benchmark their administrations in order to increase their effectiveness.
• Since 29 June 2009, the German electronic passports for foreigners contain an additional biometric feature, the traveller’s two fingerprints stored in a chip. With this new technology, a high degree of security and protection against abuse of the travel documents has been reached.
• On 24 March 2009, the unitary public service number 115 becomes operational in the regions of Berlin, Hamburg, North-Rhine Westphalia and Hesse for approximately ten million people.
  On 20 March 2009, the Law Improving the Security of the Federal Government's IT (Gesetz zur Stärkung der Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik des Bundes) enters into force, assigning the Federal Office for Information Security's (BSI), a central part within the Federal Government's protection efforts.

• On 18 February 2009, the Federal Cabinet adopts the new Broadband Strategy of the Federal Government. Taking into account the major economic and political importance of broadband networks, also in conjunction with regional development, the new broadband strategy aims at providing both households and businesses with high-capacity broadband connections.
  At that same month, the German Bundestag adopts the Act for employment and stability in Germany. The law encompasses a package of € 4 billion for federal investments. € 500 million of this package will be used to modernise the federal administration’s information and communications technology (ICT), and to strengthen the German ICT sector during the economic crisis (IT-Investment Programme).

• On 29 January 2009, the Federal Government approves the Implementation Plan 2009 of Germany’s eGovernment strategy the 'eGovernment 2.0 programme' which aims at downsizing bureaucracy and at improving the quality and efficiency of public sector services. The new implementation plan, suggested by the Federal Minister of the Interior, presents government’s view of an innovative and modern Public Administration with eGovernment.
  At that same month, XRepository, the new online library for XML based Data Exchange Formats is launched. The new website constitutes a central location for the publication of a broad spectrum of data relating to eGovernment projects, including Data-Models, XML schemes and relevant documentation.

2008

• In July 2008, the German Government initiates the legislative procedure to introduce an electronic identity card. This new card will include an electronic ID function and optionally the inclusion of a qualified electronic signature according to the German signature law.
• On 15 April 2008, the Federal Government adopts the General Administrative Regulation Governing the Electronic Office ID Card, thus paving the way for the introduction of the electronic ID card for public employees and military personnel in the federal administration.
• On 19 March 2008, the Federal Government approves the Implementation Plan 2008of Germany’s strategy 'Focused on the Future: Innovations for Administration' (including the ‘eGovernment 2.0’ programme), aimed at downsizing bureaucracy and at improving the quality and efficiency of public sector services.
• On 1 January 2008, the new Federal IT Steering System aiming at improving IT management within the federal government comes into force. The ultimate target is to optimise Federal Administration services, enhance effectiveness and efficiency in IT-based operations and promote IT innovation. A high-ranking IT-Steering Group shall guarantee a smooth congruence between IT-issues, budgeting and overall political steering, while also co-ordinate large-scale projects. Dr Hans-Bernhard Beus is appointed as the (first) Federal Commissioner for Information Technology.

2007

• In December 2007, a comprehensive database of Germany’s federal administrative regulations becomes operational. The service is offered free of charge, while the relevant services continuously update the documents that they contribute to the database.
• On 1 November 2007, second-generation ePassports containing two fingerprints start being issued.
• On 11 September 2007, the Digital Image Archives of the Federal Archives go live. The site, which is one of the model projects in the 2007 implementation plan for Germany’s eGovernment 2.0 programme, aims at making available on the net a comprehensive collection of government archive pictures ranging from the 19th century wars of unification up to reunification in 1990.
• As of July 2007, Germany begins introducing a unique identifying number for taxation purposes (Tax ID) that is to be assigned to every natural person who is subject to either full or limited tax liability in Germany, regardless of age, and will centralise the keeping of ID data at the Federal Central Tax Office.
• In June 2007, the Revision of the Passport Act is approved by the Federal Council. The revised law constitutes the legal foundation for electronic passports of the second generation, which have been available since November 2007. In addition to the already adopted digital image, the new ePassports will also feature digital fingerprints of the owner.
• On 1 March 2007, the International Conference ‘Advancing eGovernment’ takes place in Berlin, Germany. The conference focuses on eGovernment strategies and solutions developed and implemented by Member States and the EU Commission in order to take eGovernment services forward and reduce bureaucracy for all user groups.
  At that same month, Germany’s anti-terror database goes online. The database is shared by the police, the civil and military intelligence services and customs’ investigators. It networks information on terrorists, terrorist activities and suspects.
  Finally, in March 2007, the renewed ‘Deutschland Online’ portal goes live. The portal offers comprehensive information on the German eGovernment Strategy, pertinent action plans and current eGovernment projects.

2006

• In October 2006, the Federal Coordination and Advisory Agency (KBSt) sets up the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) on its official website. The library has been originally developed by the British Office of Government Commerce and contains a collection of Best Practices in the area of IT Service Management.
• In September 2006, the German Federal Government adopts the strategy ‘Focused on the Future: Innovations for Administration’ (Zukunftsorientierte Verwaltung durch Innovationen), aiming at the modernisation of the Federal State Administration, at downsizing bureaucracy and at improving the quality and efficiency of public sector services. Integral part of the strategy is the eGovernment 2.0 programme, defining key eGovernment priorities and objectives in view of 2010.
• On 22 June 2006, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the First Ministers of the 16 German Länder adopt the new ‘Deutschland-Online’ action plan, aimed at giving new impetus to their existing co-operation on eGovernment and to the adoption of electronic procedures in Public Administration.
• In April 2006, the German Federal Government adopts the programme for 'Bureaucracy Reduction and Better Regulation' ('Bürokratieabbau und Bessere Rechtsetzung'). This programme aims at reducing unnecessary administrative costs to promote growth and employment by providing greater opportunity for private commitment, innovation and investment.
• In March 2006, the German Ministry of the Interior launches a newandupdated versionof the Federal Coordination and Advisory Agency (KBSt) online information website containing comprehensive information on the IT strategies and coordination activities of the government.

2005

• In November 2005, Germany starts issuing biometric passports. Called ‘ePass’, the new German travel document includes embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip storing personal information such as the name and date of birth, and a digital facial image of the holder.
• In August 2005, the Federal Minister of the interior Otto Schily presents the results of the ‘BundOnline 2005’ initiative, launched in September 2000 by Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and aimed at placing all federal administration services capable of eDelivery online by the end of 2005. The ‘BundOnline 2005’ target was reached before the final deadline.
• In March 2005, the German Government presents a common 'eCard' strategy, aimed at providing a common strategic framework for a number of eGovernment smart card initiatives in the areas of citizen identification, social security information and health insurance services.
• In February 2005, the Federal Parliament adopts the Electronic File Management Act, designed to allow the German judiciary to process legal files and documents electronically and to pave the way for a paperless judiciary system in the country.

2004

• In March 2004, the German Federal Government adopts the BundOnline 2005 Annual Report and third Implementation Plan, which shows steady progress across the federal administration. During the same meeting, the Government also adopts a programme for the optimisation of public procurement, which provides that all federal authorities will switch to eProcurement by the end of 2005.
  In that same month (March 2004), the MEDIA@Komm-Transfer project is launched, aimed at identifying and developing transferable eGovernment solutions for German local and regional authorities.

• In January 2004, the German Federal Administrative Court becomes the first federal institution to use the ‘BundOnline 2005 ePayment’ platform. Interfacing with payment procedures of the federal administration and external transaction processors (credit card companies, etc.), the platform can be integrated into most of the country's eGovernment transactional services, thereby saving time and development costs to government agencies.

2003

• In December 2003, the ‘Information Society Germany 2006' action plan is launched. The plan is intended to further develop the country's capabilities in the information and communication technology field. In the field of eGovernment, key priorities include building a secure infrastructure for delivering transactional public services online.
  In that same month, the German Federal Labour Office launches the ‘super employment portal’ Arbeitsagentur.de. The portal provides access to databases of job offers and job seekers and features an innovative matching application to help job seekers identify opportunities easily.

• In June 2003, the German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the heads of government of the federated states (Länder) and the representative associations of German local authorities agree on a common country-wide eGovernment strategy entitled ‘Deutschland-Online’ (Germany Online).
• In February 2003, the German Federal Government launches the Initiative to Reduce Bureaucracy (Initiative Bürokratieabbau), which specifically aims at increasing Germany’s attractiveness for businesses by reducing red tape in five key areas: the labour market and self-employment; small businesses and the private sector; research and technology; civil society and volunteerism; and government services for businesses and individuals.
  At that same month (February 2003), the third law on the modification of the provisions of Administrative Procedural Law comes into force, providing electronic signatures with the same legal status as hand-written signatures for all dealings with public authorities.

2002

• In December 2002, the ‘BundOnline 2005’ Progress Report, an update of the implementation plan for the eGovernment initiative, is approved by the Federal Cabinet. According to the report, the targets have been met, with more than 160 services of the Federal Administration now provided online.
• In August 2002, the Federal eGovernment portal ‘Bund.de’ is enriched with links to information and services offered by German cities and municipalities. The portal thus covers all of Germany's administration on one joint Internet platform.
• In May 2002, the Federal Government's eProcurement Platform is launched. It constitutes a virtual marketplace allowing authorities to procure goods and services electronically from a series of pre-concluded/concluded framework contracts and without the need for expensive calls for tender.
• In March 2002, the Online Form Centre on the eGovernment portal Bund.de is launched. The Form Centre provides comprehensive access to some 1 000 official forms sorted by topic and authority. The system is designed to enable users to find the appropriate form without knowing which entity is responsible for it.
• In January 2002, the Government adopts a ‘decision on security in electronic legal and business transactions with the Federal Administration’, establishing the strategy, standards and framework conditions for introducing the electronic signature, as well as for authenticating and encoding online communications.
  In that same month (January 2002), the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) establishes an Office of the Chief Information Officer. The new Office pools the tasks of the Federal Ministry of the Interior relating to IT policy and strategy, IT Management and IT security. It brings together the BundOnline 2005 Project Group, the Coordination and Advisory Agency for IT in the Federal Administration (KBSt), and the Federal Information Security Agency (BSI).

2001

• In December 2001, the BundOnline 2005 Implementation Plan is presented, identifying a portfolio of 376 federal administration services suitable for Internet delivery and sets a schedule for each of these services to be brought online up to the year 2005.
• In May 2001, the Federal Information Security Agency (BSI) publishes an eGovernment Manual, designed to provide a reference book and central stock of information on all aspects of eGovernment development.
• In March 2001, the government information and services portal Bund.de is launched, providing central access to online services of the Federal administration.

News 2000 and before

• In 2000, the German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder launches ‘BundOnline2005’, the eGovernment programme of the Federal government. The objective is to eEnable all federal public services capable of electronic delivery by the end of 2005. The initiative forms part of the programme ‘Internet for All - Ten Steps on the Path to the Information Society’.
• In 1999, a new Forum for the Information Society is created, in the continuity of the Forum Info 2000 established in 1996. It is composed of experts from different sectors of industry and society.
  In that same year, the Government adopts the Modern State-Modern Administration Programme, a wide-ranging programme for Government modernisation, and also launches the federal Information Society Action Programme 'Innovation and jobs in the Information Society of the 21st century', aiming at the promotion of State modernisation through the use of ICT.
  1999 is also the year that the D21 initiative (Germany in the 21st Century) is launched. This private initiative is designed to foster the change from industrial to informational society.

• In 1998, the 'MEDIA@Komm' project for the development of local eGovernment solutions is launched. Following a call for proposals, three model regions will be selected to develop innovative and secure eGovernment applications making use of electronic signatures.
• In 1997, the Information and Communication Services Act (known as the ‘Multimedia Law’) enters into force; the law aims at creating uniform economic conditions for the various uses of electronic information and communication services (electronic signature, tele-services, etc.).
• In 1996, the Forum Info 2000 is established. It comprises a discussion and advisory forum on Information Society issues, gathering around 180 representatives from various industries and organisations.
  In that same year, German Government's first action plan for the Information Society, ‘Info 2000: Germany's way to the Information Society’, is presented. ICT-enabled change in public administrations is an essential part of the plan, aimed at creating a lean and citizen-oriented State.