The EU boosts the certification of the EU Digital Identity Wallets

The European Commission has requested ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, to provide support for the certification of European Digital Identity Wallets.

European Digital Identity Wallets will allow everyone in Europe to securely identify themselves when accessing public and private services as well as store and display digital documents like mobile driving licenses and education credentials - all from their mobile phones. They will also enhance privacy by only sharing the exact information agreed to.

In line with the Digital Identity Regulation which entered into force in May 2024, the European Commission has requested ENISA to provide support for the certification of European Digital Identity Wallets, including the development of a candidate European cybersecurity certification scheme in accordance with the Cybersecurity Act.

Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, European Commission Acting Director for Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity, highlighted:

"A Certification scheme for the EU Digital Identity Wallets is key for a successful functioning of the Wallets concept. The certification ensures that EUDI wallets are secure and protect the privacy of users and their personal data. Moreover, it would also guarantee that the citizens can use their national digital wallets across the EU."

EU Agency for Cybersecurity Executive Director, Juhan Lepassaar stated that:

"In today's interconnected world, the use of digital wallets is a pivotal step towards a seamless and secure identification in both the physical and digital world. By developing the European cybersecurity certification scheme for the European Digital Wallet (EUDIW), ENISA will support the Commission and the Member States to set out cybersecurity controls in the digital identification field allowing its timely uptake across the EU. Digital Wallets contribute to the maturity of EU's digitalisation and enhance citizens' cybersecurity and privacy."

The EU agency for Cybersecurity will support the establishment of national certification schemes of EU Member States by providing harmonised certification requirements and will kick off the work for the preparation of a candidate European cybersecurity certification scheme.

The wallets will be available as from 2026 to any EU citizen, resident or business in the EU who wants to use it.

For more information:

• European Digital Identity Wallet
• EU Digital Identity Wallet - A leap towards secure and trusted electronic identification through certification (press release)

Related topics

Creating a digital society eGovernment, Trust services and eIDCybersecurity Trust services and eIdentification