EU-wide e-ID pilots ready to roll

Stork delivers e-ID common specs and draft planning for pilot projects

Stork EU-wide electronic ID interoperability tests ready to fly

An EU co-funded scheme to implement EU-wide interoperability of electronic identities (eIDs) called Stork, has released e-ID common specifications together with draft planning for forthcoming pilot projects.

Launched in 2008, S ecure iden t ity acr o ss bo r ders lin k ed (Stork) is a three-year pan-EU initiative aimed at enabling businesses, citizens and government employees to use their national electronic identities (e-ID) in any member state.

The advantage of such a system will be to simplify administrative formalities by providing secure online access to public services across EU borders.

Five pilot projects to test the proposed e-ID framework, architecture and common specifications will begin in mid-2010 and run for 12 months.

Stork Pilot Coordinator, Alberto Crespo said the main objective will be to conduct a phased-test of the pilot-specific implementations, involving real end-users.

“This will allow Stork member states to assess whether the Stork defined objectives are satifactory, and decide whether to go ahead with the programme as planned,” added Crespo.

The five pilot projects are:

“These Stork Pilots will represent an unprecedented milestone in the collaboration between European Member States in the field of e-ID interoperability by demonstrating in real life contexts the benefits of cross-border e-Government services,” said Crespo.

The i2010 e-Government Action Plan, aims to provide secure and convenient electronic systems for European citizens and businesses accessing public services in any EU country by the end of 2010.

These systems should work at local, regional or national levels and comply with data protection regulations.