European digital identity: Unprecedented opportunity for citizens and institutions

The digitalisation of identity is a key challenge in Europe, and the update of the Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS2) regulation represents an unprecedented opportunity for citizens and institutions. With the introduction of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI wallet) and the use of Verifiable Credentials (VCs), the door is opened to a new era of digital trust based on technologies such as blockchain.

Digital Identity: Security and Control

The eIDAS2 proposal, adopted in 2021 and scheduled to come into force in 2026, extends the framework of the original eIDAS (2014) with the aim of providing every citizen and institution with a secure and universal means to manage their digital identity within the European Union (EU). The EUDI wallet, which will be available to all EU citizens in 2026 and must be accepted in all member states, will allow citizens to store, manage and share digital credentials in a secure and decentralised manner, without intermediaries and ensuring full control of the data by the user.

Several EU member states are currently piloting the EUDI wallet in key sectors such as education, banking and healthcare, demonstrating the potential of this technology to transform the way we interact digitally.

Verifiable Credentials and blockchain

A key aspect of eIDAS2 is the implementation of Verifiable Credentials (VCs), a standard that allows users to prove information about their identity without exposing unnecessary sensitive data. They can include everything from academic degrees to certificates of residence or business licenses, allowing for agile and decentralized verification:

• Academic credentials and professional certifications
• National identity card or digital passport
• Driving license
• Banking and financial data

The use of blockchain in this ecosystem reinforces the immutability and security of credentials, guaranteeing the authenticity of information without the need for centralized intermediaries. In addition, it reduces the risk of fraud and facilitates interoperability between different public and private services.

Benefits for citizens and institutions

For institutions and companies, eIDAS2 and VCs mean more efficient authentication processes, reduced fraud and simplified regulatory compliance. For citizens, the adoption of the EUDI Wallet will ensure greater control over their digital identity and a more fluid experience in interacting with both public and private services.

The transition to eIDAS2 is a unique opportunity for institutions and companies to digitally transform their businesses to innovate in secure and trustworthy digital services. The adoption of blockchain and verifiable credentials not only meets the new regulatory requirements, but also lays the foundation for a safer and more efficient digital ecosystem in Europe and, by its adoption, in other countries.