On Monday, the rules for establishing a European digital identity came into force. These rules will pave the way for all EU citizens and residents to reap the benefits of a personal European digital identity wallet in 2026. The European digital identity wallet will consist of a mobile app issued in each member state. It will enable EU citizens and residents to verify their identity securely online to access public and private online services across Europe.

Executive Vice-President for a Europe Ready for the Digital Age Margrethe Vesteyjer said: “Today we are taking an important step towards the creation of the EU’s digital identity wallet. In around two years from today, every European citizen will be able to securely manage his personal digital documents and to access public and private online services, having full control over his personal data through a mobile application offered on a voluntary basis to all European citizens and residents.”

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton added: “The entry into force of the European digital identity rules is an important step towards achieving the EU’s 2030 goal of giving European citizens the ability to use a secure digital identity which protects their privacy. It will give citizens control over their personal data in the digital world and strengthen Europe’s technological dominance.”

The EU digital identity wallet will revolutionize digital identification. Each user of the wallet will be able to use online services, share digital documents such as a portable driver’s license or electronic prescription, open bank accounts or make payments while maintaining full control over their personal data. The Commission has already invested €46 million from the Digital Europe program in four large-scale pilot projects to test the EU digital identity wallet in various everyday uses, such as mobile driving licences, eHealth, payments, education and business Qualifications. In parallel, a second call for proposals was recently launched for large-scale pilot projects to support the development of wallets.

After the new rules come into force, the Commission will draw up implementing acts to ensure that all wallets have the same high level of security and data protection and that they work seamlessly across the EU.

George Fellidis