A framework for Digital Identity in Europe
The eIDAS regulation, revised in May 2024, is vital for advancing European digital initiatives. It enhances existing digital identity technologies and establishes stricter benchmarks for usability, security, and reliability. This provides individuals and businesses with smarter ways to verify their identity online and exchange information digitally. The first EU Digital Identity (EUDI) wallets compliant with these new regulations are expected to be launched by the end of 2026.
What is an EUDI wallet?
An EUDI wallet is a digital solution, often an app on your smartphone, that enables you to verify your identity online in Europe and share personal information. This tool grants access to online services from various public and private entities.
Within the wallet, you can store personal data like details from the Basic Registry of Persons (BRP), including your name and birth date. It also allows the storage of documents such as diplomas and permits.
What sets this wallet apart is its ability to let you share selective information. You can monitor what data you’ve shared, with whom, and for what purpose. Additionally, an EUDI wallet facilitates the digital signing of documents.
Use remains voluntary
Using the EUDI Wallet is optional. If you prefer not to use it or cannot do so, you can still access the existing services offered by governments and other providers via traditional methods. The EUDI Wallet is simply an extra option and is not meant to substitute for the current choices available.
Secure use across Europe
The European Digital Identity framework guarantees the use of the EUDI wallet across all EU nations. This encompasses government services, major online platforms, and commercial services that demand strong security measures. The regulation sets forth strict privacy and security standards for service providers. Once EUDI wallets become available, (semi-)public organisations must accept them, while private entities must comply one year later.
Public NL Wallet
Under the updated eIDAS regulation, each Member State must provide at least one certified EUDI wallet free of charge for citizens by the end of 2026. The Dutch government is creating a nationwide version known as the public NL-wallet. This initiative aims to offer an inclusive and dependable digital solution for all users, prioritising user-friendliness, accessibility, privacy, and security.
Dutch ID system
The EUDI wallet must be reliable and secure, and the system must adhere to these standards. This is an absolute prerequisite for establishing trust and encouraging the use of EUDI wallets. Therefore, the Netherlands implements an EUDI system that complies with the European framework. Private ID wallet providers might eventually allow participation from providers who fulfil the strict criteria outlined in the updated eIDAS regulation.
Benefits for citizens and businesses
Control Over Your Data
As a user, you maintain control over your data. You decide what information to keep, when to use it, and whom to share it with. This allows you to prevent sharing more details than needed for a service. For instance, rather than showing your entire identity card or providing your date of birth, you can use the EUDI wallet to verify that you meet the minimum age requirement.
Ease of Use
The EUDI wallet offers user-friendly features: processes relying on paper documentation will transition to digital formats. Several applications are undergoing testing through expansive European pilot projects (Large Scale Pilots, LSPs). These LSPs are exploring digital contract signing, renting cars using digital driving licenses, and verifying professional qualifications through digital certificates, for example. The final services available ultimately depend on what companies provide through the wallet.
The EUDI wallet simplifies company customer identification and service provision. This allows them to minimise administrative tasks, access trustworthy data from official sources, and lessen the risk of identity fraud.
More information
For more details about the EUDI wallet’s development and the updated eIDAS regulation, visit edi.pleio.nl. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact edi@minbzk.nl.
More information on LSPs can be found at blsp.pleio.nl.
