IDDEEA

History

2001

The Law on the Identity Card of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32/01) was adopted, setting forth the appearance and content of the identity card for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the issuing process.

The Law on the Personal Identification Number of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32/01) was adopted, prescribing the designation, allocation, registration, use, registers, structure, cancellation and replacement of the personal identification number of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and foreigners.

The Law on Permanent and Temporary Residence of BiH Citizens (Official Gazette of BiH, 32/01) was adopted, which regulates permanent and temporary residence of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the residence of displaced persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prior to these regulations, the Law on Travel Documents of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH, 4/97) was adopted, governing the travel documents of Bosnian and Herzegovina citizens.

The Law on Central Registers and Data Exchange was adopted, which regulates the establishment and functioning of the Main Center for Data Processing at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the management of registers processed in this center, as well as the rules on access, exchange and protection of data from these registers (Official Gazette of BiH, 32/01).

2002

The Decision on the establishment of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS project (Citizen Identification and Protection System) (Official Gazette of BiH, 12/02) was adopted with the aim of establishing a system of central registers and data exchange on citizens of BiH, as well as to start with the issuance of identity cards and passports with biometric data.

With the establishment of the CIPS Directorate, the adoption of relevant legislative framework for identification documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and after the implementation of numerous activities during the year, as of December 15, 2002, uniform personal documents and electronic registers of personal data were introduced in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time and for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The following were established: register of personal identification numbers (JMB), registers of passports, register of identity cards, registers of residence, registers of visas and residence permits, registers of driving licences, registers of vehicle registration and criminal registers. Subject to this Decision, the headquarters of the CIPS Directorate was in Sarajevo.

2003

Competent authorities have begun to receive requests for identity cards and driving licenses for Bosnian and Herzegovina citizens.

The regular distribution of documents to competent authorities’ locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina began (originally, the CIPS Directorate had only one Fiat Brava vehicle).

Three SEAT INCA vehicles were purchased for the distribution of documents.

The implementation of the project of centralized personalization of travel documents for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially begun.

2004

The establishment of a state telecommunications network that is efficient and highly reliable, which improves the functioning of state institutions throughout BiH, enables the even development of all regions in the country and lays the foundation for e-government and the expansion of public administration services.

During this year, 1,540,000 identity cards and 650,000 driving licenses were personalized. A four-brigade (24/7) system for personalizing ID cards and driving licenses was established.

The Center for personalization of identification documents of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established, and blank passport forms and equipment for personalization were collected from all locations of competent authorities.

The first website of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project was designed and launched, enabling citizens to have easier access to information related to the issuance of personal documents.

2005

The implementation of the vehicle registration project has begun, through which it is planned to introduce registers of registered vehicles and new documents for vehicle registration. With the introduction of a single database of registered vehicles for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a significant increase in the number of registered vehicles is expected, along with improved control during the processing of registration requests (checks in the Interpol database).

The change in the concept of data processing related to vehicle registration and the centralization of all activities related to the personalization of identification documents required a new organization of work processes and the modernization of information equipment.

2006

Amendments to the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 24/06) and the introduction of the passive voter registration system in Bosnia and Herzegovina established the Central Voter Registers of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the right to vote.

Since then, the Directorate for the Implementation of the CiPS Project, and after that the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been actively supporting the general and local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The first activities on the construction of a backbone information and telecommunications system for connecting all locations of competent and police authorities for issuing personal documents, as well as the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), have begun. 

The CIPS SDH network includes the entire telecommunication system, which consists of a transport and access network, and is used to connect institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Law on Electronic Signature (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 91/06) was adopted, which regulates the basics of the formation and use of electronic signatures and the provision of services related to electronic signatures and authentication.

2007

The CIPS Directorate plays a key role in the implementation of the measures necessary for visa liberalization through the improvement of the system for issuing personal documents.

The institutional framework for the system of identification documents in BiH is established in accordance with the European Regulation 2252 from December 2004, and all through the institutional arrangement of the status of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project.

Preparatory activities are being carried out in order to determine the organization and propose legal solutions in order to establish the Agency for identification documents, registers and data exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Significant activities are being carried out to improve the legal regulations concerning JMB, identity cards of BiH citizens, permanent and temporary residence, which are the basis for issuing travel documents, i.e. the establishment and efficient management of the identity chain.

The SDH network was officially presented as one of the strategic issues and resources that enables effective exchange of data, documents, information and communication between all police and security institutions in the country.

2008

The Law on the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 56/08) was adopted, which stipulates that the Agency is an administrative organization within the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina responsible for identification documents, storage, personalization and transport of documents, maintenance and keeping of central registers, data exchange between competent authorities, as well as for cooperation with competent authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are the source authorities, and other authorities that use the Agency’s services subject to the applicable regulations. This law stipulates that the headquarters of the Agency is located in Banja Luka.

The Agency, in cooperation with the competent authorities, began activities to ensure the appropriate implementation of administrative measures that ensure the integrity of the process of personalization and distribution of documents and without delay undertook activities to harmonize the system and process for issuing travel documents with ICAO standards, through the introduction of fingerprint data and biometric photos and procurement of equipment for e-passport personalization, equipment for acquisition of biometric data, IT equipment and integration of the travel document system and the CIPS information system.

A system of registers on lost and stolen documents was established and the implementation of the vehicle registration project continued through the procurement of required equipment, program licenses and construction works.

2009

The process of data migrating from the registers system of the Directorate for the Implementation of the CIPS Project to the single platform of the Agency has begun. The migrations included registers of the personal identification number, permanent and temporary residence, identity cards and identity cards for foreigners, and new registers were also established, such as register of travel documents, vehicle registration register, and the register of fines and misdemeanors.

The Agency initiated numerous changes to laws and regulations governing the field of identification documents, and adopted many regulations related to the work of the Agency, especially those concerning security aspects and required for the process of issuing biometric travel documents, as well as the liberalization of the visa regime.

The launching of biometric passports with an electronic memory element for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina subject to European standardsthrough the implementation of the travel document system, which is directly related to the liberalization of the visa regime and represents an activity that was started during the period of existence of the former Directorate. In 2009, a series of contacts were made with the competent institutions, information and instructions were delivered, equipment was handed over to the competent ministries of the interior, training of their officials was carried out, and the interconnecting of these ministries, municipalities, the DKP network and the Agency, in order to start on July 1, 2009 with the operation of the biometric passport system. The first biometric passports were issued in October 2009.

Within its purview, the Agency successfully implemented a multi-year vehicle registration project by establishing a central vehicle register. On September 28, 2009, the Agency began with the centralized personalization of license plates with the international BiH mark and the delivery of new vehicle registration documents in the form of a certificates of title, vehicle registration certificates and stickers, i.e. stickers certifying the technical correctness and registration of the vehicle.

System of cooperation with Interpol has been established.

On the basis of two framework agreements signed between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009, the Swedish Agency for International Development and Cooperation (SIDA) donated funds to the Agency for the implementation of a project whose goal is to connect all municipalities involved in the process of issuing biometric travel documents to the SDH network. The necessary equipment was procured, which will greatly improve the conditions for the work of the competent authorities in the system.

2010

The Agency was one of the key actors that provided the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a visa-free regime for the Schengen countries, enabling visa-free travel with passports that are personalized within the Agency.

The issuance of the second-generation biometric passports with Extended Access Control (EAC) began, placing Bosnia and Herzegovina among the first countries in the world to issue such biometric passports.

The internal public key infrastructure (PKI – Public Key Infrastructure) was implemented in the information system of the Agency. It is possible to issue smart cards to users of the system for accessing applications, using network resources, encrypting email and electronic documents.

A biometric data verification system for identity cards was implemented, improving the security of the personal documents issuance system and the integrity of the central register.

2011

The Ministry of Communications and Transport adopted the Rulebook on the procedure for issuing memory cards for digital tachographs (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 42/11). This regulation assigned the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange the responsibility for personalization of memory cards for digital tachographs. During this year, the Decision on the fee for the production of memory cards for the digital tachograph was adopted (Official Gazette of BiH, 39/11).

The Agency continuously performed preparatory activities for the implementation of the obligations arising from the legal framework, and the electronic register of tachograph cards was established in April, when their personalization and technical processing began. The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Decision on the approval of the “Digital Tachograph Project” by which it was included in the Program of multi-year capital investments for the period 2011-2014. The tachograph project was put into operation within the agreed period and is fully operational.

Through project funds of the European Union IPA 2008, the document management system was procured and integrated with the Agency’s system, its functioning was ensured and the quality management system was introduced in compliance with a series of required standards. A document management system (DMS) is a computer system that is used to track and store electronic documents and/or images of paper documents, that is, a set of computer equipment and programs that will enable receiving, management, storage, protection and review of the content and documents related to IDDEEA’s operations.

The implementation of the project “Strengthening IDDEEA registers” has begun, for which funds were provided through the pre-accession financial instrument of the European Union – IPA programme 2010 and with the financial support of BiH. Through this project, the delivery of a complete system will be carried out, which includes installation, development, configuration, testing and release into production of a new SDH backbone component that will be upgraded to the existing SDH communication network of IDDEEA, delivery of solutions to improve the existing IDDEEA telecommunication network, delivery of solutions for QoS ( Quality of Service) and MPLS functionality that will be implemented on the existing IDDEEA telecommunication network, development of an application solution for network management and monitoring of the existing IDDEEA SDH telecommunication network. Specialised trainings, workshops, and study trips are planned as part of the project to educate the Agency’s technical experts. Additionally, preparatory activities for the development of an electronic portal, or “e-portal,” that will be able to provide electronic services for government institutions (G2G), citizens (G2C), and the business sector (G2B) in BiH, as well as the creation and implementation of an integrated e-Learning platform for IDDEEA, have begun.

2012

Amendments to the Law on Identity Cards of Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18/12) were adopted, setting forth the prerequisites for the preparation and issuance of identity cards with incorporated electronic memory element containing a qualified certificate entered by the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This established prerequisites for the registration of electronic certificates in ID cards issued by the Agency as a CA authority, allowing the Agency to exercise one of the law’s fundamental competences in issuing electronic certificates and electronic signatures in the field of identification documents.

The Agreement on the procurement of electronic identity cards, driving licenses and systems for personalizing electronic identity cards and driving licences, and the Agreement on the acquisition of hardware equipment and Oracle licenses for the needs of the Agency, were signed.

Electronic identity card and driving licence for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina was introduced. However, at that moment, the lack of relevant regulations and implementing acts prescribed by the Law on Electronic Signature represented an obstacle for the Agency to start issuing electronic signatures. Those acts will be adopted only in 2017. The European Commission positively evaluated the beginning of electronic identity cards issuance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recognizing progress in the information society and e-government.

Local border traffic permits have been introduced for citizens of the Republic of Croatia who live in the border area. The Agency created the technical conditions for issuing local border traffic permits, trained officers and provided equipment to the BiH Border Police. The agency is in charge of the technical part, i.e. personalization of local border traffic permits and keeping central registers of local border traffic permits for citizens of the Republic of Croatia.

2013

Electronic identity card and driving licence for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina was introduced. However, at that moment, the lack of relevant regulations and implementing acts prescribed by the Law on Electronic Signature represented an obstacle for the Agency to start issuing electronic signatures. Those acts will be adopted only in 2017. The European Commission positively evaluated the beginning of electronic identity cards issuance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recognizing progress in the information society and e-government.

Local border traffic permits have been introduced for citizens of the Republic of Croatia who live in the border area. The Agency created the technical conditions for issuing local border traffic permits, trained officers and provided equipment to the BiH Border Police. The agency is in charge of the technical part, i.e. personalization of local border traffic permits and keeping central registers of local border traffic permits for citizens of the Republic of Croatia.

 

2014

Bosnia and Herzegovina became one of the first nations outside the European Union and one of the first nations worldwide to begin using third-generation biometric passports, known as SAC passports (Supplemental Access Control), on October 1, 2014, after the Agency established the necessary technical conditions and started personalizing the passports. This fulfilled the commitments made during the negotiations for the liberalisation of the visa regime with the goal of maintaining the privileges that introduce a visa-free regime. Better protective features found in the latest passport generation include improved data page protection, a safer method of data entry, and improved chip protection.

In accordance with its legal competences, the Agency provided technical support to the last election process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was held in October 2014. Support is provided through the telecommunications and server system. Through its technical and human resources, IDDEEA provided continuous access to the Central Voter Register during the elections, as well as the technically accurate and continuous operation of the data transmission network through which the Central Election Commission (CEC) and city and municipal election commissions were connected.

Issuance of tachograph cards for the second generation of digital tachographs (GEN2 smart tachographs) regulated by Regulation (EU) 165/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on tachographs in road traffic has begun. After the implementation of electronic registers of tachograph cards as part of the Digital Tachograph Project, which the Council of Ministers included in multi-year capital investment projects for the period 2011-2014, the Agency, in cooperation with the relevant institutions (Federal Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Transport and Communications of the RS), carried out a needs analysis to assess the necessary quantities of tachograph cards for a certain period in order to optimize the procurement of tachograph cards in the future as much as possible.

The Agency adopted the Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2011-2014) and the Integrity Plan, in compliance with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Strategy for the Fight against Corruption and the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy.

2015

The Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Decision on jurisdiction over the personalization, technical processing, transport, establishing and maintaining electronic register of seafarer’s passports and maritime ID cards (Official Gazette of BiH, 50/15), by which the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in charge of personalization, technical processing and transport of personalized booklets/cards in accordance with the valid legal regulations governing the personalization procedure and the technical processing of identification documents. The Agency is responsible for carrying out all the activities related to drafting of the project task and establishing a unique information system at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain electronic registers of seafarer’s passports and maritime ID cards, to procure the system, equipment and consumables necessary for the establishment of the information system, to keep and technically maintain such an electronic register subject to valid legal regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governing the field of ​​central data registers and protection of personal data.

Beginning of procurement and delivery of travel certificates for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and travel certificate for foreigners to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2016

In accordance with the Instruction on how to access information on the process of issuing an identification document through the website of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the websites of the competent issuing authorities, as of February 23, 2016, the Agency established the first electronic service for citizens, allowing electronic access to information about the document issuing process to any person who has submitted a request for issuing a document in compliance with the valid legal regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governing the field of identification documents issuance. Electronic access is provided through the website of the Agency and competent issuing authorities and requires the following data: JMB, request number and security code. After providing the required data and clicking on the “Check” button, the applicant receives electronic information about the progress of the document issuance procedure (request/document status), which varies based on the phase of the issuing process.

A new version of the Standard for equipment and software, Version 7, was created, setting forth the minimum standards for the use and procurement of IT equipment and equipment for data acquisition for the competent authorities that process data on the JMB, residence and residence of citizens of BiH, and the issuance of identity cards of BiH citizens and identity cards for foreigners, issuance of travel d , driving licences, registration of motor vehicles and registration documents, fines and misdemeanor registers, digital tachographs, border passes, as well as other data contained in registers that the Agency maintains subject to a special decision of the Council of Ministers of BiH and with the consent of the source authorities. This document defines the minimum standards that equipment and software must meet.

2017

Implementing acts related to the Law on Electronic Signatures, the Rulebook on the Register of Certificate Authorities (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17), the Rulebook on measures and procedures for the use and protection of electronic signatures, means for creating electronic signatures and certification systems (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17) and the Rulebook on detailed conditions for issuing qualified certificates (Official Gazette of BiH, 14/17) have been adopted. The Office for Supervision and Accreditation was established within the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH, which maintains an electronic register of certificate authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, accredited certificate authorities and certificate authorities with a headquarters in the third countries whose certificates are guaranteed by a certificate authority from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The activities on the implementation of CAF standards in cooperation with the Office of the Coordinator for Public Administration Reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PARCO) and the German GIZ – Strengthening of public institutions in BiH have been initiated. It is the first European quality management standard, created specifically by the public sector with the aim of constantly improving the quality of work. CAF standards are regularly applied in the institution, which certainly contributes to the improvement of efficiency and effective work processes in the performance of daily activities.

2018

With the support of the European Union Delegation, the Agency initiated the registration process for certificate authorities. This involved preparing the necessary processes, resources, and human capacities required for the certification and issuance of electronic signatures. In accordance with the applicable laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina is responsible for the registration of certificate authorities, based on the completion of the CA certification process by an accredited certification body in the EU.

A financial agreement was signed between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina. IDDEEA developed and delivered the Action Document (AD), which was adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH and forwarded to the European Commission (EC) for further action. IDDEEA’s plan is to utilize IPA funds in the upcoming periods.

A framework agreement for the procurement of passport booklets was signed between the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Muhlbauer d.o.o. from Banja Luka. This agreement ensured the procurement and delivery of passport booklets until March 21, 2022.

The Agency also participated in completing the multi-year capital project: “Financing of obligations under the Law on Working Hours, Mandatory Breaks for Mobile Workers, and Registration Devices in Road Transport—Tachographs—Digital Tachograph Project.” The Agency secured an adequate number of all types of tachograph cards, as new regulations in this area increased demand.

During 2018, the transition to the new version of the ISO standard 9001:2015 was completed within IDDEEA, ensuring the conditions for the continued certification of the Agency under this standard and improving quality management practices.

In compliance with the Internal Audit Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Decision on Criteria for Establishing Internal Audit Units in BiH Institutions, on October 2, 2018, the Internal Audit Unit of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established.

2019

In the previous year, a financial agreement was signed between the EU Delegation and the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IPA 2017). In 2019, the preparation of specifications for the tender procedure initiated by the EU began. This procedure concerns the procurement of computer and telecommunication equipment, systems, and application software within the framework of IPA II 2014-2017.

 

The “SDH Transmission System” project was completed, enabling all budgetary institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to obtain approval for connecting to the Financial Management Information System (ISFU) of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BiH via the SDH network—part of the Agency’s telecommunications system. This contributed significantly to cost savings for BiH institutions.

An external audit was conducted for ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring the Agency met the requirements for continued certification and further improving quality management practices.

Ongoing improvements and development of the Agency’s information system enabled seamless data exchange with relevant institutions, meeting all necessary parameters for functional data exchange.

The Rulebook on Seafarer’s Passports and Maritime ID Cards was adopted, along with its amendments (Official Gazette of BiH,  29/19, 72/19). These amendments specifically outlined the data required for the electronic registers for seafarer’s passports and maritime ID cards, which are maintained by the Agency. Preparatory activities for the creation of these registers began.

2020

Despite the many challenges faced by the Agency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continuous availability of the registers and data transmission network (TK/SDH) for source and receiving authorities was ensured. Additionally, the efficient production of identification documents and license plates was maintained.

Throughout the year, all work processes were aligned with European and international regulations and recommendations. ICAO 9303 standards, as well as other relevant EU standards, were continuously monitored to ensure that all security and protective requirements for identification documents were fully met.

In 2020, the Agency launched a series of activities related to registration in the register of certificate authorities ( CA register)in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In line with current regulations, registration in the CA register is overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the completion of the CA certification process by an accredited certification body in the EU. The European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided equipment and additional funding for the certification process through IPA projects.

The Agency’s development team used its own resources to create electronic registers for seafarer’s passports and maritime ID cards, in compliance with the adopted decisions and regulations governing this area. By the end of the year, the electronic registers were successfully put into production.

2021

The Agency successfully underwent re-certification and external supervision for compliance with ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 international standards.

In accordance with EU Regulation 910/2015, an external inspection conducted on September 30, 2021, confirmed that all equipment, services, and processes involved in issuing qualified certificates fully meet the standards and requirements prescribed by the eIDAS Regulation.

The Agency also participated in the pilot project aimed at introducing new technologies into the electoral process. The initiative focuses on improving the integrity of elections through the use of electronic and biometric identification data.

2022

The Agency was officially registered in the register of certificate authorities and became a certificate authority for issuing qualified electronic signatures that are fully recognized in legal transactions both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and internationally.

Through the IPA II project (IPA 2017 and IPA 2019), equipment valued at approximately 4 million KM was delivered to the Agency, significantly modernizing the information system and register management.

The Agency successfully underwent the process of external supervision for compliance with ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 international standards.

2023

The first open data portal in Bosnia and Herzegovina was implemented in line with EU recommendations. Financed by the EU Delegation to BiH, this project enabled the Agency to introduce rules, mechanisms, and web tools for standardizing the publication of publicly significant information, such as specific types of statistical data. This initiative enhances the transparency and efficiency of the Agency’s operations, strengthens the fight against corruption, and contributes to progress in economic development and investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Agency also launched a redesigned website, providing citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with easier and more modern access to its electronic services. These include checking fines (for individuals and legal entities), document status, the open data portal, e-signature services, and digital representation.

A pilot project was launched, marking the beginning of the test phase for BiH digital identity and remote electronic signing of documents for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Agency started an accelerated process to enable the electronic exchange of data with other state institutions, aiming to streamline administrative procedures for citizens.

The Agency began using qualified electronic signatures and the electronic exchange of documents in all its processes through an internally developed Document Management System (DMS).

New application modules were developed for data exchange between the Central Election Commission of BiH and IDDEEA. This improved the efficiency of data exchange between the two institutions, particularly in generating the central voter list for BiH.

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers, and Data Exchange of BiH, launched an initiative to strengthen cooperation in the digital transformation of public administration. They also submitted an application for the e-Government project to the EU Delegation in BiH.

The Agency successfully completed re-certification according to the EU’s eIDAS regulation.

IDDEEA systems were connected to the accurate time system provided by the Institute of Metrology of Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve the quality and accuracy of electronic signatures.

The Agency began implementing a two-year European Twinning project titled “Improving Service Delivery for Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina Through Strengthening the Capacity of the Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of Bosnia and Herzegovina (IDDEEA)”. This project is being implemented in partnership with the Italian Consortium for Information Systems (CSI Piemonte), the Italian Authority for the Protection of Personal Data (GPDP), and the Finnish Institute for Public Administration Ltd (HAUS), with support of Eutalia, a company of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, that carries out assistance and support activities in the analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation of public policies for development, as in-house of the Central State Administrations.

Cooperation between IDDEEA and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Slovenia was established to improve digital solutions for citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Through the IPA project, the Agency received two laser engraving machines for engraving visible data, as well as scanners for quality control of all documents.

In line with the newly adopted Law on Freedom of Access to Information at the Institutional Level of BiH (Official Gazette of BiH, 61/23), which governs proactive transparency, the Agency began regularly publishing and updating information related to its activities. This approach provides citizens with easy access to relevant information, contributing to greater transparency and accountability, fostering public trust in institutions, and strengthening democratic values in society.

By continually improving and monitoring international standards, as well as responsibly managing identification documents and registers, the Agency contributes to building strong institutions, supporting justice, and upholding the rule of law (SDG 16). Through digitalization of services and partnerships, the Agency also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals (SDG 17). With its resources and the realization of set goals, IDDEEA supports the strategic and developmental objectives outlined in the Strategic Framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2024

The Agency has begun issuing electronic certificates for digital representation in the identity cards of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative, which brings numerous advantages for citizens, provides many institutions and companies with a wide range of services that can now be performed online, without the need for physical presence.

 

The Agency has opened RA offices in its regional centers in Sarajevo, Bihać, Mostar, Bijeljina, and at its headquarters in Banja Luka. In these offices, citizens of BiH can sign contracts, download their qualified electronic signatures, and access electronic signature services.

 

In cooperation with the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the USA, the Agency organized mobile temporary locations with biometric equipment for submitting requests for biometric travel documents.

Technically and applicatively improved applications for the registers of JMB (personal identification number), permanent residence, identity cards, and driving licenses were implemented. These new technical solutions enable more detailed searches of registered requests for personal identification number, searches by registers citizens per municipality, valid/invalid settlements and streets, the ability to inspect registered permanent residence data when applying for an identity card, and the monitoring of active driving bans imposed by competent authorities.

The FBiH Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, UNDP, and IDDEEA have implemented an electronic service called ePorodilje, which simplifies and accelerates the support to mothers in labor.

The Agency signed a strategic contract with Elektroprenos Bosnia and Herzegovina for the use of their optical capacity throughout the country and began designing of a new telecommunications network.

Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Agency and UNDP, as well as the Agency and GIZ, aimed at advancing the digital transformation of public administration in BiH.

In a joint open letter of support, the ambassadors of the United States of America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden, along with international economic representatives, urged the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to support the Agency’s efforts in the country’s digital transformation.

The first scientific article about IDDEEA’s achievements was published in the prestigious American journal Technology and Health Care, Initiative for e-Identity in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Technological Leap in Digital Solutions and Management.

The Agency was awarded the VISION 100 award at a ceremony organized by Poslovne Novine Sarajevo, in collaboration with the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the Project 100 Largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Region.

Thanks to the technical support of the Agency and the implementation of a qualified remote electronic signature, BH Telecom successfully integrated with IDDEEA systems. This partnership allows BH Telecom users to sign contracts, amendments, and new services online using the electronic signature provided by IDDEEA.

In line with the Law on Basics of Road Traffic Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH,  6/06, 75/06, 44/07, 84/09, 48/10, 18/13, 8/17, 89/17, 9/18, 46/23, 46/23, 88/23) and the Rulebook on Vehicle Registration (Official Gazette of BiH, 69/09, 29/20, 9/21, 4/23), and with the support of IDDEEA, portable registration plates have been introduced. These registration plates are only used within Bosnia and Herzegovina and simplify the buying and selling of vehicles, preventing the risk of unpaid accidents for unregistered vehicles.

The Agency successfully completed a pilot project introducing innovative technologies in the electoral process during the local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This included voter authentication and result transmission, as well as biometric identification at selected polling stations. The implementation of these technologies significantly improved the security and transparency of the election process. The entire system and the tested technological solutions proved highly efficient, with 96% of voters confirming the reliability of the biometric identification and authentication process.

With support from the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Agency has begun implementing the digital ID wallet in line with the European eIDAS 2.0 regulation. The test phase of this pilot project is expected to begin in 2025.