European Digital Identity Governance Workshops - eIDAS 2.0

Insights from SprinD's EUDI EGOM Workshops: Shaping Europe's Digital Future Through Collaborative Innovation

The European Union is moving forward with the development of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation. This initiative aims to provide EU citizens with a secure and interoperable means of electronic identification and authentication across member states. To facilitate dialogue and address the complexities of this initiative, a series of Ecosystem Governance and Operating Models (EGOM) workshops have been hosted, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Countries participating in EUDI eIDAS 2.0

One of the key observations from the workshops is that the scope of the EUDI initiative extends far beyond just personal identity (PID). It encompasses a wide range of Qualified Electronic Attestations (QEAAs), Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), and electronic seals. The ecosystem aims to facilitate secure and seamless digital interactions across various sectors, including public administration, healthcare, and finance. This broader perspective underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the diverse requirements of different stakeholders.

Privacy emerged as a critical concern during the discussions on user value propositions. While it may not have topped the list in focus group rankings, participants emphasized that privacy should be considered a non-negotiable feature rather than a preference. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of data protection and the need for robust privacy measures in digital identity solutions.

The workshops also highlighted strong support for Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) principles and interoperability within the EUDI framework. SSI empowers individuals to have greater control over their personal data, aligning with the EU's commitment to privacy and data protection. Interoperability ensures that the EUDI Wallet can function seamlessly across different systems and platforms, promoting widespread adoption.

A significant point of discussion was the inclusion of Trust Registries within the EUDI infrastructure. Trust Registries serve as authoritative sources for verifying the credentials of entities within the ecosystem, facilitating automated compliance and governance checks. While some participants argued that more extensive Trust Registries are needed beyond what is currently suggested, others noted that the existing approach accelerates progress by providing a foundational starting point. This debate reflects ongoing considerations around balancing efficiency with comprehensive security measures.

Several challenges were identified during the workshops. There are concerns that stringent certification requirements might favor large enterprises with extensive experience in compliance, potentially disadvantaging smaller organizations and startups. The need for a level playing field was emphasized to encourage innovation and competition. Inclusivity is another critical aspect, with discussions acknowledging the necessity of accommodating individuals who may not possess an NFC-enabled identity card, such as asylum seekers or residents without a national ID. Proposals included the issuance of temporary PIDs with a lower Level of Assurance to ensure inclusivity.

Participants stressed the importance of integrating the EUDI Wallet with existing national systems like the BundID in Germany. This integration aims to provide a seamless user experience and avoid fragmentation. The government plans to support third-party wallet providers through infrastructure and regulation. An open-source wallet is being developed for Android and iOS platforms to encourage adoption and facilitate collaboration. By providing access to public infrastructure and resources, the initiative seeks to foster an ecosystem where both public and private entities can thrive.

While the exact timeline for the EUDI Wallet's rollout remains tentative, with estimates ranging from 2025 to 2027, the ongoing workshops and consultations indicate a proactive approach to addressing stakeholder concerns. Early relying parties are being sought to participate in pilot programs, and there is an open invitation for entities to engage in the consultation process.

The SprinD-hosted EUDI EGOM workshops serve as a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate on shaping the future of digital identity in Europe. By addressing key issues such as privacy, interoperability, and inclusivity, the initiative aims to develop a robust and user-centric EUDI Wallet. The incorporation of SSI principles and Trust Registries underscores a commitment to empowering individuals while ensuring security and compliance.

As the initiative progresses, continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential in realizing the vision of a unified digital identity framework across the European Union.