On 1 November 2013, new legislation comes into force encouraging electronic communication with public authorities.
Authorities have a three-year transitional period to set up their electronic processes and equipment. This allows them to postpone the launch until 1 November 2016 if they experience technical difficulties.
From 1 February 2014, official electronic mailboxes will be set up for all authorities, individuals, entrepreneurs and legal entities. Entrepreneurs will thus have two accounts: one in a personal capacity and another in their business capacity.
Mailboxes will also be created automatically when an individual reaches the age of 18 or a legal entity is incorporated. Foreign entities may also apply for a mailbox.
Because mailboxes are compulsory for public authorities, legal entities or registered branches, they will be activated automatically. As the use of mailboxes by individuals is optional, their accounts must be activated.
Electronic mailboxes are designed to receive all official correspondence, including registered mail. Before receiving an electronic document which requires proof of receipt, the addressee has to confirm acceptance of the document.
Mailboxes can be used to file applications or lawsuits and so initiate proceedings. Nonetheless, only authorities, public notaries, post offices and, to a limited extent, attorneys will be authorised to convert written documents into official attachments of electronic filings and vice versa.
Every mailbox owner can register to receive notifications of new messages or news of developments in proceedings; notifications can also be delivered via SMS.
Registered electronic mail will be considered delivered once the attached proof of delivery is acknowledged; where the addressee does not accept the mail, it is deemed delivered 15 days after delivery to the mailbox. Other electronic messages are deemed served on the day following delivery of the message to the mailbox.
The legislation also introduces an electronic notice board for publishing electronic documents. Documents will then be deemed to be published when they are posted on the notice board.
To make electronic communication accessible for all, there will be integrated service points manned by assistants who will help people convert written instruments into electronic for a fee and send them to authorities or have documents printed as official instruments. These service points can be operated by selected authorities, public notaries or post offices but must first be registered.
The list of authorities offering electronic communication will be published continuously on the Central Public Administration Portal www.slovensko.sk
Law: Act on electronic exercise of powers of public authorities and on amending and supplementing certain acts (e-Government Act)
