Abstract – Information and communication technology (ICT), or in the case of eGovernment –e, is often in an unproblematized way closely associated with modernity. As such it holds a dominant position as facilitator of the extension of human needs (for example enhanced quality of life through better service etc.). In this paper the question of modernisation is taken into consideration in terms of the role of –e in eGovernment through the concepts of first and second modernity. By a basic content and argumentation analysis of the European eGovernment Action Plan 2011-2015 the view on –e in general and especially its links to different views on modernisation is examined. The result shows that –e in eGovernment is definitely closely linked to modernity but not in an unproblematic order. There are both manifestations of standardization and empowerment and such a combination of linear institutional order and boundary transcendence is challenging.