Brussels creates a European digital identity for online authentication, accepted in 27 countries

New rules for creating a European digital identity come into force on Tuesday in the European Union (EU), providing uniform access to government online services and electronic documents, as well as increasing security and requiring less personal data.

“The rules concerning the creation of a European digital ID came into force on Monday. These rules will pave the way for all EU citizens and residents to be able to use a personal European digital ID in 2026,” the community’s executive director said in a statement. .

At stake is the European Digital ID Card, a new mobile app that will be released in every EU member state to allow EU citizens and residents to securely identify themselves online to access public and private services across Europe.

“The EU Digital ID will revolutionize digital identity. All wallet users will be able to use online services, exchange digital documents such as a mobile driving license or an electronic prescription, open bank accounts or make payments with full control of personal data,” emphasizes the European Commission.

To date, Brussels has already invested €46 million from the Digital Europe program in four large-scale pilot projects to test the European digital ID card in everyday use.

Once the new rules come into force, the European Commission will prepare implementing acts to ensure that all apps have the same high level of security and data protection.

The law’s entry into force on Tuesday follows a proposal introduced by a community leader three years ago.

Member States are expected to provide citizens and companies with digital wallets that can link their national digital identity with personal data (e.g. driver’s license, diplomas, bank account).

These wallets can be provided by government agencies or private organizations if they are recognized by the respective country.

Once recognized in other EU countries, these digital mobile keys will allow all European citizens to access online services without having to use private identification methods or hand over more personal data than necessary.

In Portugal, for example, the government already provides a digital mobile key – an authentication tool and a certified digital signature that allows the user to access various public or private portals and sign digital documents with just one “login”.

For this purpose, the Portuguese Digital Mobile Key links the mobile phone number with a civil identification number (Portuguese citizens) and a passport or title/residence card number (foreign citizens).