Countries applying biometrics

Bulgarian citizens are facing unexpected hurdles with the rollout of new biometric ID cards equipped with a data chip, as certain bank offices are unable to process them through their specialized devices, reports "Sega".

Starting June 17, Bulgarians will have the option to obtain a new version of their national identity card, which will feature an embedded chip along with biometric data including two fingerprints and a photograph. This change is implemented with the aim of enhancing the security of the document.

Ljubljana – The government has confirmed an electronic identification and trust services act, legislation that will make it possible to use the new biometric ID cards as electronic identification.

Ljubljana – Slovenia will roll out biometric identity cards in line with legislation passed by the National Assembly on Wednesday that implements an EU requirement that all member states should start issuing biometric identity cards by August 2021.

Bulgaria's interior ministry has opened a €121.8 million (US$139.1 million) tender for developing a system for issuing biometric identity documents, SeeNews reports.

The European Commission has said it will refer Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the EU for non-implementation of obligations it has assumed under the common law related to e-documents.

In a statement dated Monday, the Commission cites "non-implementation of the obligation to create a Single Point of Contact" for e-passports and e-residence permits.