POLICIES:: eSignature:: Legislation:: Revision
Revision of the Electronic Signature Directive
Key Action 3 of the Digital Agenda for Europe
Secure, trustworthy, easy and cheap online transactions are vital for a strong and healthy European Digital Single Market. To achieve these objectives, the Digital Agenda for Europe announced the revision of the eSignature Directive (1999/93/EC) and a Decision of the European Parliament and Council on the mutual recognition of eIdentification and eAuthentication.
In this context, the European Commission launched a public consultation to get stakeholders views on how electronic identification, electronic authentication and electronic signatures can contribute to deliver the European Digital Single Market. The consultation closed on 15.04.2011.
On 10 March 2011, the Commission invited representatives from the public and private sectors and academia to a stakeholder workshop to debate on what legislative measures are needed to address the challenges ahead. The objective of the workshop was to offer an interactive forum to exchange views and to confront different positions on the questions raised in the above public consultation.
Furthermore, several organisations have spontaneously sent position papers.
Currently, the Commission is working on a legislative proposal on electronic identification, authentication and signature. Firstly, the framework will propose the revision of the eSignature Directive to enhance electronic signatures interoperability and usability in EU. Secondly, it will ensure the mutual recognition and acceptance of electronic identification and authentication mechanisms across the EU. Thirdly, it will also cover additional trust services such as time stamping, electronic seals or registered electronic delivery (the final list is not decided yet).
Last updated: 14.06.2011