Europe is also introducing an EU-wide digital ID scheme

In light of the predominantly negative response to the UK government's recent national digital identity announcement, it's worth remembering that the EU is also advancing its own digital ID initiative.

The European Digital Identity Framework (EUDI), which came into force in May 2024 and takes legal effect in November 2026, mandates that every Member State offer a European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). The reforms to the existing e-IDAS Regulation contribute to the EU's 2030 digital targets.

The EUDI Wallet is a voluntary, user-controlled mobile app for EU citizens and residents. The app will securely store identity information and verified documents, such as driving licences and medical prescriptions, allowing users to authenticate themselves with public and private service providers across the EU.

Users will have sole control over the shared information, with the ability to share only specific attributes rather than all personal details. Broader aims of the scheme include reducing fraud, cutting authentication costs for businesses, and ensuring that individuals who choose not to use the digital ID are not discriminated against. The regulation requires EUDI Wallets to comply with strict cybersecurity standards and operate in parallel with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure a high level of data and privacy protection.

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