In June 2003 a notice requesting the submission of tenders to supply a plastic card licence was published in the EU Official Journal. A number of developments took place following receipt of tenders and the proposals were reviewed in the light of these developments. These developments included developments concerning anti-fraud protection measures, possible developments in e-government and the publication of a draft EU directive on driving licences in October 2003 proposing the issuing of new licences in plastic card format only and allowing the introduction of an optional microchip on the driving licence. Having considered these matters it was decided not to proceed with the tender invitation of 16 June 2003. The EU directive and the specification of a microchip have not yet been agreed. The overall proposal is being reviewed to take account of these developments.