The Prime Minister of Lichtenstein, Mr. Klaus Tschütscher announced on 24 June 2010 that the Austrian Federal Government has created the bases on which the 'lisign' electronic identification and electronic signature solution of Liechtenstein can be legally recognised in Austria. This will allow the 'lisign' owners to use in the future the Austrian eGovernment services in addition to the ones provided by Lichtenstein.

"The aim of the government is to provide citizens and businesses with the best services and to make even more services available electronically, thus easily, quickly and efficiently", said Mr. Tschütscher. "Universal eGovernment is now the key to reducing bureaucracy and promoting modernisation which will in turn enhance the quality of services. People will benefit from this and in addition Liechtenstein will make sure that is an attractive business location," added the Prime Minister of Lichtenstein after a meeting he had with the Austrian Chancellor, Mr. Werner Faymann.

The term 'eGovernment' is now widely considered as synonymous to a modern and efficient administration. The opportunities it offers allow the National Administration of Liechtenstein to make traditional services accessible through electronic means to a broad public. In this regard, the National Administration Portal has been providing a variety of information and services embracing the modern, electronic way. With numerous, useful and applicable basic services, the basis for inclusive eGovernment services of the National Administration Liechtenstein has been created. The citizens can have many administrative procedures handled electronically in an easy and quick way.

In Liechtenstein, daily life routine tasks are handled via the use of a PC and the Internet; similarly, the use of the modern information technology means is very important for the public authorities. Technology makes new ways of work for the administration possible and also necessary. The same goes for the cooperation of the public and the private sectors and the citizens. The Prime Minister said: "eGovernment has been integrated into the policy-making. We see the advantages and realign our structures to achieve them. It is all about comfort but also about cost-efficiency, whereas the expectations on administrative services are steadily increasing as a result of the advance of the technological possibilities. eGovernment provides us with many opportunities, which we should use."

Further information:

• Official Press Release - National Administration Portal (in German)
• About the 'lisign' solution (in German)