Structural changes and the enlargement of the European Union in 2004 will impact the smart card industry. There will be an increased need for harmonised identity cards, driving licences and vehicle registration documents. The importance of the European research Framework Programmes, e.g. the IST (Information Society Technologies) Work Programme, the eTEN and the MODINIS programmes to the smart card industry is considered. eTEN is a programme designed to help the deployment of telecommunications networks based services in Europe. Eurosmart has had a role in eESC (eEurope smart cards) and SINCE (contactless cards) initiatives. There will be a number of legislative initiatives dealing with smart card applications. Ways in which smart cards will improve the lifestyles of European citizens are discussed. These include the introduction of smart card driving licences and registration documents.
Samenvatting