What is the revised eIDAS Regulation?
The European Parliament and the Council adopted the reformed eIDAS Regulation in May 2024, which provides for the identification of persons in cross-border transactions between EU countries and for trust services used in electronic transactions. The wallet is intended to allow electronic identification and demonstration of reliable proof of other personal data throughout the EU.
A key obligation of the revised regulation is that all EU Member States must provide a digital identity wallet that meets the requirements of the regulation no later than two years after the technical implementing acts were finalised on 24 December 2024, i.e. by the end of 2026.
Supplementary technical implementing acts are currently being finalised and are expected to be finalised in 2025. The draft technical implementing requirements will be available for public comments.
View our news article about the comment rounds
EU countries to adopt European digital identity wallets
With the revision of the eIDAS Regulation, citizens and residents of EU countries will be able to start using a digital identity wallet that will run as a mobile application. Each EU country will adopt at least one wallet application that can be used throughout the EU.
The digital identity wallets will be usable in all EU countries, and they will work the same way in all countries. This has been ensured by using a shared reference architecture, which guarantees cross-border interoperability and trust. High security standards, strong authentication methods and improved privacy protection will increase trust in electronic transactions.
The new eIDAS Regulation is a significant step towards a more integrated and secure digital single market in the EU. The goal is to promote cross-border electronic transactions and increase trust in electronic services.
The new eIDAS Regulation allows the citizens and residents of EU countries to use their digital identity wallet throughout the EU. Use of the wallet will, however, be voluntary for citizens.
The regulation aims to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, and the processing of data shared via the wallet will be strictly regulated. This is to ensure that use of the wallet is as safe as possible. What promotes safe on-line transactions is, for example, the fact that services in which the wallet can be used must be registered and controlled.
Citizens will be able to control what information they share via the wallet and with whom they share it. A user can also use their wallet to check the services with which they have shared information that is managed in the wallet. The wallets are subject to conditions that protect the user, such as the ability to monitor the use of a wallet being at the sole discretion of the user.
The revised eIDAS Regulation aims to make it easier for businesses to operate in the EU single market by providing a coherent framework for electronic identification and trust services. This will reduce the administrative burden and costs associated with compliance.
Businesses will be able to benefit from an increase in trust and more secure electronic services. With increased customer trust, the use of on-line services may become more widespread and commonplace. Facilitating cross-border recognition of digital identities will make it easier for businesses to expand their markets within the EU.
The regulation supports the digital transformation of businesses by providing reliable and secure digital identity solutions that can improve efficiency and streamline operations.
The effects of the revised eIDAS Regulation in brief:
- Interoperable digital identity wallets at EU level.
- Harmonised use of trust services throughout the EU.
- Improved usability and awareness through common procedures.
- Uniform implementation across the EU.
- Simplified procedures and reduced administrative burdens, which facilitates compliance with corporate and government regulations.
- Citizens will have better control over the disclosure of (personal) data
- Only the user can monitor the use of their own wallet.