Time Stamping Authority being integral part of eGovernment services using electronic signatures (http://europa.eu.int) is to large extent responsible for the confidence and accountability of the service. Technological solutions for time stamping services (http://www.ncipher.com, ) need to be proposed as integral for Enlarged Europe approach overcoming obstacles hampering eGovernment services acceptance by end users: low trust on existing solutions due to disputed time stamp accountability and fragmentation of eGovernment services on European level.

BALTICTIME project is designed to enhance the confidence on time stamping service through adopting capacities of Time Standard Authorities of EU metrology system as most authoritative and reliable backbone for Time Stamping Authority. In such a way level of the confidence and accountability of the service eligible for employment in eGovernment services will be created and integral for Europe solution having strong potential to overcome existing fragmentation will be introduced. The overall objective of the BALTICTIME project is to develop the legal and accountable digital time-stamping (DTS) system providing the layer of Trust in eGovernmental transaction environment.

It will be achieved through implementation of two-phase project:

• - Development of time stamping system based on National Time Standard Authority ensuring auditable, accountable and transparent time stamping service;
• - Demonstration and evaluation of BALTICTIME system performance for time critical functions in eGovernment services with possibilities for cross-border time stamping service.

Project objectives were formulated taking into account integral approach on ongoing eGovernment activities in Enlarged Europe and in compatibility with the actions undertaken in Baltic States region by structural funds schemes and Framework Programme activities where public sector reform and development of eGovernment services is highly supported by National Authorities.