This blog unpacks the foundations of digital identity in the EU and what the new standards mean for everyday users and organisations.

Introduction

Digital identity is transforming the way people and organisations interact online in Europe. Without strong standards and regulation, however, trust and interoperability can be compromised. To provide a solution, the European Union has introduced robust legal and technical frameworks—most notably, through the eIDAS Regulation and its upcoming update, eIDAS 2.0. But what do these standards actually mean, and how do they support daily digital life?

The Role of eIDAS: Building Trust and Interoperability

The original eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 created standards for electronic identification and trust services across EU Member States. This was a significant step: for example, when an Italian citizen uses their digital ID to access health care in Denmark, both countries can trust the authentication thanks to common rules.

With eIDAS 2.0, this commitment deepens by introducing the European Digital Identity Wallet. The Wallet lets citizens and organisations store credentials (like university degrees or business licences) and use them throughout the EU, securely and with their consent. The European Commission, through official guidance and mandates, ensures that Member States follow shared technical specifications: security, data integrity, and privacy by design are legally required, not optional.

Core EU Standards for Digital Identity

EU digital identity standards include:

• Unique and verifiable identifiers: Every user is assigned a unique ID, traceable to an official register or authority.
• Mutual recognition: If one EU country recognises a digital identity scheme at a high assurance level, all Member States must do so.
• Strong authentication requirements: Multi-factor authentication and robust cryptography are mandatory for high-assurance use cases, such as accessing public services or signing contracts online.
• User control and privacy: Citizens always control the sharing of their data, in line with EU GDPR rules. The European Data Protection Board has issued guidance on ensuring all digital identity solutions minimise data and protect user rights.
• Interoperability: Technical standards (such as those developed by the CEF eID building block) ensure that identities and credentials "work" across borders, enabling seamless workflows for travel, banking, education, and more.

Real-World Applications

• Cross-border banking: A French resident can open a bank account in Germany using their French eID, with high assurance that their personal data is protected and legally accepted.
• Public services access: Students can use their national eID to enrol in universities throughout the EU, thanks to mutual recognition and technical compatibility.
• Business registration: Companies expanding across the EU benefit from the recognition of digital signatures and business credentials; this reduces paperwork and speeds up cross-border expansion.

Summary

The EU’s approach to digital identity sets a benchmark for security, privacy, and convenience. Through common legal and technical standards, citizens and businesses can trust that their digital identity will work seamlessly and securely anywhere in the Union. As eIDAS 2.0 arrives, expect even more user-centric, privacy-preserving solutions that make digital life in Europe easier.