Slovensko.Digital Criticises Alarming Situation in IT Projects Run by NASES

Bratislava, 19 January (TASR) - The Slovensko.Digital civic association is criticising what it describes as an alarming situation regarding IT projects announced by the National Agency for Network and Electronic Services (NASES) worth more than €100 million, the association's e-Government expert Ladislav Kovar stated on Monday. According to him, these projects go beyond the scope of the already approved original modernisation project and the platform where people can handle various life situations. The projects are related to addressing the emergency condition of the existing slovensko.sk portal and mobile mailbox, including a strategy for the state's mobile applications, as well as BankID (Smart Slovakia) as a solution for accessing the services provided by the state. "We view these projects as being poorly managed and unjustified, and we think that funds are not being spent economically. Based on what we've learnt, we're going to file motions to investigate the potential violation of laws and decrees by NASES and the Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI)," stated Kovar, referring to the Act on Budgetary Rules or the overuse of so-called "restricted information" as defined in the Act on the Protection of Classified Information. "We also criticise the use of direct negotiated procedures for these projects, if it comes to that. Furthermore, we'll consider whether we file a criminal complaint and we want to inform the European Commission about direct negotiated procedures taking place," explained Kovar. jrg/mcs