The European Parliament announced it had endorsed the establishment of an EU-wide digital wallet, an important move aimed at enhancing digital identity and online authentication for EU citizens. This regulation, which EU ministers agreed upon, promises a shift from reliance on commercial providers for online identification and addresses prevalent concerns regarding trust, security, and privacy. The digital wallet will be available on a voluntary basis, with MEPs ensuring provisions to protect citizen rights and promote an inclusive digital system.
The legislation also introduces free “qualified electronic signatures” for users, ensuring the same legal standing as handwritten signatures and enabling wallet-to-wallet interactions for smoother digital exchanges. An emphasis on open-source development aims to boost transparency, innovation, and security. Moreover, stringent rules will be applied to company registration and oversight, ensuring accountability and traceability.
A key feature is the privacy dashboard, through which users can control their data, including the ability to request data deletion under GDPR regulations. Rapporteur Romana Jerković highlighted the legislation’s goal to empower citizens by granting them full control over their data usage and sharing. This development is seen as a means to foster inclusivity and civic engagement in the digital age.
Following Parliament’s approval, the regulation awaits formal endorsement by the EU Council of Ministers to become law. This legislative move responds to the digital acceleration post-pandemic and aims to mitigate the risks associated with current digital wallet solutions, which often lead to the loss of personal data control.
