European Digital Identity: eIDAS 2.0

In June 2021, the European Commission proposed the creation of the European Digital Identity Framework, to make a digital identity card accessible to all EU citizens. This measure aims to ensure widespread access to secure electronic identification solutions and is an evolution of the 2014 eIDAS Regulation, laying the foundations for electronic identification and online trust services in the European internal market.

After negotiations, on June 29, 2023, the Council and the European Parliament reached a first provisional agreement on the main elements of the Regulation, subject to further technical adjustments.

On November 8, 2023, an updated version of the text of the provisional agreement was made available. Broadly speaking, the proposed Regulation establishes that Member States must provide a European digital identity card that combines national digital identities with other personal documents, such as driving licenses, insurance, and education certificates. This will allow citizens to authenticate themselves and share electronic documents via their European digital identity card, simplifying bureaucratic processes and increasing accessibility to services, without the need for inconvenient alternative methods or excessive sharing of personal data.
 

Benefits

• More security

Faced with growing cyber threats, the Regulation focuses on and promotes the adoption of advanced technical security measures to ensure the protection of user data, following the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In addition, the issuance and verification by qualified trust service providers guarantee the authenticity of users and substantially reduce the risk of identity fraud. In this way, organizations can have greater confidence in the identity of users accessing their services, reducing financial losses and the risks associated with fraudulent activities.
 

• Improved user experience

Users can access services in a more straightforward way, which not only increases convenience for them but also reduces the frustration related to managing multiple access credentials.
 

• Cost savings

The simplification of authentication and verification processes results in cost savings and greater operational efficiency.
 

• Cross-border interoperability

The European digital identity card has been designed to operate across different sectors and countries, making it easier to use in international contexts and promoting better interoperability and portability of data in digital services, including authentication and identification.
 

• ESG strategy (go-paperless)

Strengthening corporate sustainability, promoting environmentally responsible practices by reducing the use of paper and the associated carbon footprint.
 

Next Steps

eIDAS 2.0 represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation, reinforcing the framework for secure and efficient electronic identification. It is therefore an opportunity for organizations to adjust and create an ecosystem for carrying out reliable digital transactions and operations.

Therefore, it is important for organizations to consider the following actions:

• Map the organizational processes that can be dematerialized.
• Identify the applicable legal requirements and the relevant regulatory perimeter, especially regarding contracting and electronic signature processes.
• Evaluate the verification and authentication procedures in place and analyze the systems used for this purpose.
• Choose the appropriate technological partner that meets the requirements of the Regulation

With the implementation of eIDAS 2.0 and the introduction of the European Digital Identity, the European Union is taking an important step towards the modernization and security of digital processes. This new regulatory framework not only promotes the security of user data and simplifies the user experience, but also offers an efficient solution for digital transactions across Europe.

Hydra iT is the ideal technology partner for companies looking to meet the requirements of the Regulation and reap the benefits of secure and reliable electronic identification. Get in touch with us!