What eIDAS 2 is and how it will affect the electronic signature

The eIDAS 2 Regulation, also known as EUid, is a new European Union regulation on electronic identity (and therefore on electronic signatures). Its rollout will replace the current eIDAS regulation.

First established in 2014, the current eIDAS regulation has played a fundamental role in making electronic transactions between citizens, companies and government bodies across the EU easier, providing a secure legal environment for electronic identification.

Although it was an important step, the current regulation suffers from certain limitations, particularly in terms of cross-border functionality and security. eIDAS 2 sets out to resolve these shortcomings with a fresh approach.

Key objectives of eIDAS 2

The new regulation aims to enable a more robust and efficient European electronic identity system. That system is intended to provide:

• High-security electronic identity: ensuring that both public and private services have reliable, secure means of digital identification.
• Interoperability: allowing individuals and organisations to use digital identity solutions connected to a range of personal data, making it easier to exchange that data and to transmit only what each service needs.
• Acceptance of qualified trust services: ensuring these services are accepted uniformly across all member states.

To achieve these objectives, the concept of the “European Digital Identity Wallet” is introduced: an electronic wallet that centralises a person’s electronic identification while keeping them in full control of their personal data.

How the European Digital Identity Wallet works

This digital wallet, issued by member states under uniform guidelines and standards, represents a step forward in how citizens and companies will be able to manage their electronic identification. With both online and offline functionality, the wallet will provide access to a variety of public and private services, guaranteeing transparency and giving users control over the data they choose to share. On top of that, it will be free of charge for individuals.

Use cases and potential benefits

From opening bank accounts or renting vehicles across national borders, to accessing essential services such as healthcare and education. Citizens will be able to manage and share their personal, financial and health data easily and securely, streamlining their dealings with any organisation, including those in other EU countries.

eIDAS 2 and the electronic signature

It is not yet clear exactly what we will call an “electronic signature” once eIDAS 2 arrives, but it will most likely be one more operation among those available in our “Digital Identity Wallet”. The norm will be not just signing a document, but the user deciding which data they want to accompany the signature.

When does eIDAS 2 come into force?

The regulation was approved on 11 April 2024, and the implementation deadlines started counting from that moment. This is the list of expected deadlines and dates:

eIDAS 2 will significantly improve the exchange of information between organisations and citizens while ensuring control and privacy over the data.