A new era of digital cooperation was inaugurated yesterday Greece and Cyprus, fully operational interoperability between the two national digital wallets, the Greek “Gov.gr Wallet” and the Cyprus “Digital Citizen”. The initiative allows for mutual recognition and verification of digital identities and driving licenses in the two countries, essentially facilitating the daily lives of citizens and entrepreneurs, moving or operating on both sides.

The official presentation took place Monday at the Nicosia Presidential Palace, with the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Politics of Cyprus, Dr. Nicodemus Damianou, and the Greek Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, to announce the implementation of the initiative.

Interoperability of the Greek “Gov.gr Wallet” and the Cyprus application “Digital Citizen”

The first phase of interoperability concerns the identity and driving license, which can now be used equally in both countries in cases, such as identifying in public services and banks, demonstration in traffic controls or even car rental. It is noted, however, that these digital documents are not travel documents.

This cooperation is based on the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the two countries under the 2nd Intergovernmental Synod and is a model for the development of corresponding European initiatives.

“We become the first EU member states that unite their digital wallets. A nation, two states, with a common digital footing, “Dimitris Papastergiou said, expressing his joy for cooperating and committing the two sides to further enhance interoperability.

Common digital course

The Greek minister underlined the importance of the common digital course, while making a special reference to the know -how offered through Gov.gr Wallet, which is already used by 5.6 million citizens, as well as new applications, such as Kids Wallet.

For his part, Dr. Nicodemus Damianou described the day a landmark for the relations between the two countries and pointed out the importance of technology to simplify the daily lives of citizens. He also announced the next steps for the “digital citizen”, such as the incorporation of the June fan card, access to foreigners residing in Cyprus and the addition of minors.

After thanking his Greek counterpart for cooperation, the Deputy Minister emphasized that this cooperation extends to other areas, such as space technologies, the transfer of know -how from the Cypriot part of the development and integration of national electronic identity, and the artificial intelligence of the Greek Factor.

“Against the backdrop of a common history and tradition, Greece and Cyprus are forming a common digital identity today, building a single basis for their citizens – safely, practicality and prospects for even more closer transnational cooperation in the digital age”, comment on the two relevant ministries.