The Socialists and Democrats led a majority in plenary of the European Parliament today for the adoption of the revised EU legislation establishing the European Digital Identity Framework, also known as the eIDAS Regulation. It will ensure universal access for people and businesses to secure and trustworthy electronic identification and authentication. 

Romana Jerković, S&D MEP and European Parliament’s negotiator on the matter in the committee on industry, research and energy, said: 

“Under the new law, member states will offer citizens and businesses digital wallets that will be able to link their national digital identities with proof of other personal attributes, such as a driving licence, diplomas, and bank account numbers. Thanks to eIDAS, citizens will be able to prove their identity in a secure and privacy-friendly way, share and electronically sign personal documents from their digital wallets with a click of a button on their mobile phone.

“The new rules make it possible for citizens to securely share documents that includes sensitive personal information with other wallet users, reducing the need for paperwork while remaining in full control of the data they share. 

“By helping to remove virtual borders, eIDAS will contribute to the deepening of the Digital Single Market and to the further integration of Europe by facilitating seamless access to public and private services in the whole Union.”