Agreement reached on EU Digital Identity Regulation

On the 8th of November, an agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council in the Trilogue negotiations on the EU Digital Identity Framework regulation, pending formal approval by both institutions. This agreement concludes the provisional agreement reached in June 2023.

The Regulation will play a large part in reaching the Digital Decade 2030 target of 100% of EU citizens, having access to secure, privacy-enhancing digital ID recognised throughout the Union.

EU Digital Identity Wallets will become a reality across Europe

The agreement is a legal framework that paves the way for the creation of EU Digital Identity Wallets; safe and secure personal digital wallets that will enable all EU citizens, residents and businesses to have seamless access to public and private online services in every Member State, while also retaining complete control over their personal data. Wallets will also enable users to safely obtain, store and share important credentials like Mobile Driving Licences and education diplomas, and will be able to electronically sign or seal documents.

Public services as well as large platform holders, as well as those requiring strong user authentication like banking — will be required to accept the EU Digital Wallet for authentication upon user request. The high level of security offered by the wallet will make it an attractive option for businesses requiring a high level of authentication, and will enable new business opportunities to be tapped.

The legislative discussions have increased the ambition of the legislation in several ways:

• The wallet will be open-source licensed
• It will contain a dashboard of every transaction
• In-app reporting of alleged data protection violations will be possible
• Free e-signatures for non-professional use
• Wallets will be able to interact with each other
• Existing national e-ID schemes can be used to onboard the wallet

Updated specifications have just been published

The Commission has published the latest version of the Common EU Toolbox on GitHub. The Toolbox includes the requirements and technical specifications of the wallet.

Interested stakeholders are welcome to explore and contribute by commenting on GitHub.

What are the next steps for the EU Digital Identity Wallet?

• The agreement reached by the European Parliament and Council is now subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Once adopted, the European Digital Identity framework will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal.
• The Commission is engaging with stakeholders on the Toolbox. They are invited to provide comments on GitHub.
• The Architecture and Reference Framework as well as the Reference Implementation will be published for feedback.
• The Commission will host a Developers Community Webinar on 29/11 for developers interested in learning more about the code and specifications of the wallet.
• 6 months after the adoption of the Regulation, Implementing Acts will set out the required technical specifications required to certify EU Digital Identity Wallets.
• 24 months after the adoption of the Implementing Acts, Member States will be required to offer at least one version of the wallet to every citizen, resident, and business who requests one.