The European Commission has adopted technical standards for cross-border digital identity wallets in the European Union. These standards will help member states build their own wallets and release them by the end of 2026. The implementing regulations include uniform standards, specifications, and procedures for the technical functionalities of the eID wallets, along with a framework for the certification of the wallets.
Under the technical standards, data will be stored locally in the wallet, allowing users to control what information they share. No tracking or profiling will be included in the design of the wallets, and a built-in privacy dashboard will give users complete transparency on how their information is shared. The implementing regulations will be published in the Official Journal “in due course” and will take effect 20 days after that.
The wallets will enable users to identify themselves both online and offline. They will be optional and available to any EU citizen, resident, or business. The EU announced in June 2021 that it planned to develop a system for residents of the bloc to access public services and store important identification information.
Some EU countries already have their own national digital ID systems.
EU sets digital ID wallet guidelines
For instance, Belgium has a mandatory ID card with a mobile app equivalent for various services, including paying taxes and making bank transfers.
The EC reached a final agreement on establishing these digital identity wallets in November 2023. This agreement still needs to be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The adoption includes five implementing regulations aimed at ensuring interoperability, security, and privacy for the eID Wallets across the EU:
Four regulations outline specifications for core functionalities such as data formats for cross-border use, measures to ensure security, and procedures to guarantee reliability.
These standards enable Member States to develop seamless wallets across the EU while safeguarding personal data and privacy. A fifth regulation establishes rigorous specifications for the certification of eID Wallets, ensuring compliance with security and data protection requirements. The eID Wallets will provide a universal, secure, and trustworthy digital identification method for accessing public and private services across borders.
Practical applications include opening bank accounts, proving age eligibility, renewing medical prescriptions, renting vehicles, and displaying digital flight tickets. By facilitating seamless cross-border interactions, the wallets aim to improve user experiences while maintaining high standards of privacy and data security. Member States are expected to begin developing and deploying their eID Wallets in line with the newly established standards, with a goal of full implementation by 2026.
