EU digital wallets advance with technical standards approved by the EU Commission

Brussels – Progress for cross-border European digital identity wallets, thanks to the approval of technical standards by the European Commission.

As part of the European digital identity framework, standards were adopted for basic functionality and the European digital identity (eID) wallet certification, an important step toward creating and issuing own wallets by member states by 2026.

The European Digital Identity Wallets initiative is about the collaboration between the EU and member states to materialize a project that contributes to the digital transition in a substantial way. They will offer private users and businesses a universal, reliable, and secure way to identify themselves when accessing public and private services across borders. Examples of using digital wallets include opening a bank account, proving one’s age, renewing medical prescriptions, renting a car, or showing airline tickets.

Some key features, such as standards and specifications, were established in the implementing regulations. Also decided upon were the uniform procedures for the technical functionality of e-wallets, covering the data formats required for the cross-border use of digital documents and measures to ensure security and reliability.

Having common standards will allow each member country to develop interoperable wallets that are universally accepted at the European level while respecting European standards that protect personal data and privacy. Data should be stored locally on the wallet, leaving users in control of what information they share, without tracking or profiling. Equally important in this regard is integrating the new tool with a privacy dashboard, which will give complete transparency on how and with whom wallet information is shared.

Not overlooked are eID wallet certifications, illustrated by the fifth implementing regulation by which specifications and procedures are established for a robust framework with respect to the instrument and, again, privacy assurance.

When the use of digital wallets goes into effect, with a single click, it will be possible for users to securely share required attributes with trusted people, revealing only the required details (such as age or nationality) without sharing additional identifying information. This will limit the possibility of profiling and give users control over their personal information, which is not possible with physical documents. Through this tool, it will be possible to avoid fragmentation and reduce bureaucracy for European citizens moving to other states, ensuring simplification and contribution to the overall goals of the EU.