Main developments and key milestones (in reverse chronological order)

Last updated: October 2011

For the latest developments, see: ePractice news for eGovernment

Recent News

May 2011

On 21 May 2011, a census is organised in the Slovak Republic. For the first time in history the citizens have the possibility to fill in electronic census forms. The electronic census forms were accessible in Slovak, English and national minorities languages, and were used by 7.3 % of the citizens.

February 2011

In February 2011, the Ministry of Finance starts a pilot testing of the Central Metainformation System of Public Administration (MetaIS).

The MetaIS:

• Incorporates information on operating the information systems of public administrations, eServices, as well as other technological and administrative data, which is then published by the given institution that manages the public administration information system.
• Incorporates the concepts of the public administration information system, which are further developed by public administration bodies and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval.
• Serves and supports designers and developers of eServices, namely by the data on the content of operating and planning services, technical and functional specifications, performance parameters and publishing services into the Universal Description Discovery and Integration (UDDI) format.
• Records and updates the data in each MetaIS module, analyses data and adopts measures for the effective building of an integrated public administration information system, supervises on the interoperability, functionality, efficiency and effectiveness of the state budget expenditure.

January 2011

• Since January 2011, a new Central Register of Contracts is in operation. The Central Register of Contracts is a public list of contracts by the Government Office, ministries, central government authorities, public bodies and subordinate organisations (subsidised, budgetary organisations, etc.). According to Act No. 546/2010 Coll. Supplementing Act No. 40/1964 Coll. Civil Code as amended, such contracts shall enter into force on the day following publication in the register.
• Since January 2011, the use of eAuction is mandatory for contracts awarding the delivery and sale of goods, with the exception being those lacking competitive dialogue and negotiated procedures without publication and contests. Ministers have to use eAuction for the awarding of service contracts and building works, if it is possible to accurately determine the technical requirements relating to the subject of the contract. This obligation is mandatory for all budgetary and subsidised institutions, companies with full state ownership and state enterprises (Government resolution No. 653/2010).
• The Registry of Surplus State-Owned Immovable Property represents a publicly available registry of state-owned immovable property that has been declared surplus (redundant) and is being offered for sale. Since January 2011, the Registry has offered the possibility to use eAuction for the surplus immovable property of the State.

News 2010-2001

2010

• In December 2010, the pilot project 'The MS Software License Audit', which will last until April 2011, is initiated. The Ministry of Finance manages the interaction with State authorities in the field of MS software licenses via the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and databases since May 2009.
• In November 2010, the concrete needs and expectations of users become the key drivers in building an eGovernment platform. It intends to offer eServices that the user is interested in, delivered to serve individual requirements and needs. On this basis, the Ministry of Finance begins the long term project survey on satisfaction with eGovernment services, to be conducted annually. The survey aims to provide a realistic picture of the knowledge, use, quality evaluation and satisfaction with basic eGovernment services.

• In July 2010, the Government approves an amendment to the Directive for preparation and submission materials to the Government by Resolution No. 318/2010. This directive established the phase of preliminary commenting of materials on 1 July 2010, which has been in effect ever since. In this phase of preliminary commenting - which precedes interdepartmental commenting - selected effects of proposed legislative and non-legislative materials are assessed. The Unified Methodology includes an assessment of financial, economic and environmental impacts, as well as impacts on employment and the information society. The current Unified Methodology has determined the evaluation of the anticipated effects on the information society for the first time.

  On 13 July 2010, the governmental CSIRT.SK (Computer Security Incident Response Team) is launched. In September 2010, a specialised unit of CSIRT.SK is integrated into the European Community TF-CSIRT (Task Force - Computer Security Incident Response Team). The Slovak CSIRT is created by Government resolution No.479/2009. The main aim of the CSIRT is to address the information security incidents in the Slovak Republic and to expand public knowledge in selected areas of information security, to cooperate with international sister organisations and to represent Slovakia in the field of information security at international level.

• Since 1 June 2010, the Ministry of Interior begins to issue a vehicle log book as a smart card equipped with a contact chip. It provides access to the electronic services of the national vehicle registration. Through the specialised kiosks located at district transport inspectorates, citizens can obtain comprehensive information on vehicle data, emission controls, technical reviews and car insurance. The contact chip will contain details of the vehicle, as prescribed in EU Directive no. 1999/37.
• In February 2010, following the amendment to the ‘Act on Public Administration Information Systems’, legal preconditions are created for the establishment of a network of Integrated Service Points (ISPs). ISP will mediate eServices and provide assisted public administration eServices, so as to avoid having to visit several different offices for the provision of such services. A feasibility study has been drawn up and approved. The planning process for project implementation has begun, while the Ministry of Finance has prepared a draft decree detailing the set up and operating conditions for ISP.

• In January 2010, the electronic submission of value added tax (VAT) summary statements becomes obligatory following the amendment to Act no. 222/2004 Coll. on VAT. It transposes Council Directive 2008/117/ES, which amends Council Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of VAT to combat tax evasion connected with intra-Community transactions on the common system of VAT. Since January 2010, the submission of applications for VAT refunds between Member States can only be carried out electronically.

  In January 2010, the Office for Public Procurement begins issuing the public procurement bulletin solely in electronic form.

• On 1 January 2010 an electronic, ‘pay as you drive’ road user charging system for trucks is introduced.

2009

• By the end of 2009, 21 calls for proposals of Operational Programme for the Information Society (1. Priority axis) are declared in the amount of € 505 931 848. This is intended primarily for projects in the field of public administration and municipalities.
• Two national projects are funded by the OP Education, which involves approximately 3 000 elementary and secondary schools outside the Bratislava region. The projects aim to develop the digital literacy and the use of modern teaching techniques in the teaching of specific subjects.
• Since July 2009, passports are issued with two biometric identifiers.
• Since June 2009, the electronic service 'The general administration' becomes available on the Central Public Administration Portal (CPAP). This new electronic service allows citizens and businesses to electronically file a request, complaint, notice or announcement from public authorities, which used a central electronic registry through the CPAP.
• A new legislative portal comes into full operation in January 2009, which provides the transparent process of observation and adoption of laws. The portal permits publishing, observation and electronic legislative process for all documents to be submitted to the Slovak Government at a later date. Public institutions, citizens and organisations are able to monitor the legislative process in a transparent manner.

2008

• The ’National Programme of Reforms for 2008 – 2010’ is approved by the Government of Slovakia in October 2008. Legal measures of this document aim to create preconditions for fast and sustainable economic growth.
• The Ministry of the Interior launches a new portal which offers comprehensive information on main competency areas under its responsibility: police; fire department and rescue; civil protection and crisis management; asylum and immigration; sports; education and career development. The new site complies with web accessibility standards for the visually impaired.
• In a bid to substantially reduce the amount of paper being used, the Slovak Parliament introduces in May 2008, an electronic system to submit legislative bills. Thus, the amount of printed materials distributed is greatly reduced with the introduction of ‘Electronic Parliament’.
• In April 2008, the Ministry of Finance launches an English version of the portal http://www.informatizacia.sk/.
• In March 2008, 220 students become the first to sit electronic school-leaving exams in a pilot project conducted by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport. This pilot test represents the first of its kind for Slovakia.
• The concept of a central electronic directory (single window) is approved by the Government in January 2008. The main aim of creating a single window is to speed up and simplify the processes of information between the business community and the State, as well as to bring benefits for all parties involved in cross-border trade. The single window allows all parties involved in trade and transport to bring and provide standardised information and documents to a single entry point, and thus meet all the requirements for the import, export and transit.

2007

• In December 2007, the Ministry of Finance launches the portal www.informatizacia.sk, aimed at improving awareness of the Information Society.

• In October 2007, the European Commission gives the final approval for the allocation of EU Structural Funds for the development of the Information Society in Slovakia. According to the Operational Programme for the Information Society (OPIS) for the programming period 2007-2013, over € 1 billion would be made available over the next five years for actions aimed at developing the Information Society.

  In October 2007, the Minister of Justice announces Slovakia’s intention to participate in the development of an integrated European eJustice portal and an information network that contains data on lost or kidnapped children. Slovakia intends for the eJustice portal to contain commercial, trade and crime registers, a bankruptcy register and a register of missing persons.

  In October 2007, the European Commission approves an 'Information Society' Operational Programme for Slovakia for the period 2007-2013. The programme recognises that further development of the information society infrastructure was necessary in order to harness the potential of new information and communication tools, and that eGovernment services would contribute to a more inclusive society. The programme's focus was on the digitalisation of Public Administration, the development of the IT infrastructure of repository institutions and the improvement of the availability of broadband internet access.

• Trade registration is facilitated through united contact points in September 2007.
• In July 2007, the Ministry of the Interior begins to modify the Government information system with the assistance of the private sector. These modifications will ensure an integrated solution for dealing with requests, managing data and issuing documents. The modifications include changes to the system for issuing residence permits.

• In April 2007, a project designed to enable free access to the Slovak land and property register is tested by the Slovak Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority, the Ministry of Transport, Post and Telecommunications and IT developers. The portal http://www.katasterportal.sk/kapor/ goes live on 1 July 2007.

  In the same month, the Slovak Tax Authority makes a variety of new services available on the Tax Directorate site, including the possibility to submit tax declarations electronically and to complete an electronic tax declaration with a certified eSignature.

• In February 2007, in compliance with Act No. 575/2001 of Coll. on organisation of activity of the Government and organisation of the Central State Administration, the competences of the Section for Information Society of the Ministry of Transport, Posts and Telecommunications become limited to the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Finance.

• In January 2007, the Ministry of Transport, Posts and Telecommunications puts forward draft legislation on the setting up of a ‘National framework for the interoperability of the public information system’. The proposed legislation sets out criteria for the interconnection of national information systems and the link-up of these systems with other EU information systems, in accordance with the European Interoperability Framework for pan-European eGovernment Services.

  In the same month, electronic public procurement is launched.

2006

• In December 2006, Public Administration employees in the Bratislava region begin to improve their knowledge of computers thanks to free European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) courses financed by the European Social Fund. The training programme falls under the responsibility of the Slovak Ministry of Transport, Post and Telecommunications.
• As from November 2006, citizens are able to check the progress of their passport applications online at the Ministry of Interior. A database of lost and stolen IDs also makes it possible to control the use of stolen identities. Citizens applying for a new passport - in line with the new EU ePassport requirements - will receive a tracking number to monitor their application’s progress via the Internet.
• From October 2006 onwards, information on proceedings in the Slovakian criminal courts will be made available online through the website of the Ministry of Justice.

• In September 2006, the development of a central national tourism information system begins.

  In the same month, the Government plans to offer a grant to all permanent residents in Slovakia to help support wider Internet access.

• In July 2006, the Government launches a web portal to make it easier for citizens to communicate with public bodies. In the near future, all Government services will be available through portal.gov.sk.

2005

• In August 2005, the Trade registry begins offering online registration of legal entities.
• In April 2005, the Government approves a 'National Strategy for Broadband Connection in the Slovak Republic'. The strategy aims to reach the level of leading European countries in terms of broadband availability and penetration in the next five to eight years.

• In March 2005, Slovakia’s first tax eFiling season ends. 44 individual and corporate taxpayers declared their income tax electronically over the Internet using a Guaranteed Electronic Signature.

  In the same month, the Tax Directorate launches the national tax portal eTax, built to serve all citizens' and businesses' tax information and servicing needs.

• Beginning of January 2005, all businesses with more than 20 employees are required to transmit regular monthly social contributions forms to the Social Insurance Agency (SIA) electronically.

  In the same month, a central notarial register of deeds is set up.

2004

• In December 2004, the Government adopts the ‘National Lisbon Strategy’. The Competitiveness Strategy for the Slovak Republic until 2010, which provides for the attainment of the EU Lisbon objectives in Slovakia, identifies ICT deployment as one of the main priorities to increase the country’s competitiveness.
• In January 2004, the Government approves a Strategy and Action Plan for the Development of the Information Society. The document derives from the objectives and actions set in the eEurope+ and eEurope 2005 Action Plans. eGovernment is a key aspect of the plan.

2003

The national Public Administration portal 'Obcan.sk' (Citizen.sk) is launched. The main objective of the portal is to provide a one-stop shop to information on public services offered by the state administration and relevant independent organisations.

2002

• In July 2002, Act No. 428/2002 on Personal Data Protection is passed. It corresponds to the EU's Data Protection Directive (95/46/EC). The Act establishes a new Personal Data Protection Office and strengthens the independence of the Commissioner for the protection of personal data.
• In March 2002, Act No. 215/2002 on Electronic Signatures is passed. The Act defines the conditions for use of the electronic signature as legally equivalent to the hand-written signature.
• In February 2002, the Ministry of Justice launches a united automatic system of law information. The portal is free for public use.

2001

In June 2001, the eEurope+ Action Plan is published by the European Commission, in conjunction with the Central and East European accession countries. The goal of this plan is to foster the development of an Information Society in the accession countries, including Slovakia.

In the same month, the Policy for the Development of the Information Society in the Slovak Republic is adopted. This document identifies the challenges for building up an information society and proposes a number of measures designed to realise the full potential of ICT for the benefit of all segments of the society. eGovernment is one of the main priorities identified.

News 2000 and before

• In 2000, the Slovak Parliament approves Act No. 211/2000 on Free Access to Public Information. This law defines the term 'public information' and declares the principle of free and unlimited access.
• In 1999, the Government adopts the 'Strategy of Public Administration Reform in the Slovak Republic'. In addition to defining the starting points for and the principles of the decentralisation process, the strategy document deals with related reform measures in such areas as deregulation, Public Administration financing, education, management, Public Administration control and computerisation of Public Administration.
• In 1995, Act No. 261/1995 on State Information Systems (SIS) is approved. The Act provides a framework for the development of information systems for public authorities.