eIDAS 2.0
The European Union's framework for electronic identification, authentication, and trust services, enabling secure digital transactions across borders.
Specialist Law - Overview Only
eIDAS 2.0 is a highly specialized regulation targeting digital identity infrastructure providers, trust service providers, and government agencies implementing digital identity systems. Unlike our other compliance areas, this law requires specialized technical expertise and is primarily relevant to a specific market segment.
Note: This website provides educational overview content only for eIDAS 2.0. We do not offer compliance tools, templates, or detailed implementation guidance for this regulation.
eIDAS 2.0 in Plain English
eIDAS 2.0 is the EU's digital identity framework that makes it possible to securely identify yourself and sign documents online across all EU member states. Think of it as creating a digital passport and signature that works everywhere in Europe.
The "2.0" update introduces European Digital Identity Wallets - secure digital apps that will hold your official ID, driver's license, diplomas, and other credentials. Instead of carrying physical documents, you'll be able to prove who you are and what you're qualified for using your smartphone, with full privacy control over what information you share.
Who This Law Primarily Affects: Digital identity infrastructure providers, trust service providers (e.g., certificate authorities), government agencies implementing digital identity systems, and organizations building digital wallet applications. Most businesses will interact with eIDAS 2.0 as end users of digital identity services rather than as regulated entities.
What eIDAS 2.0 Covers
Digital Identity Wallets
Secure apps that store your official credentials like ID cards, driver's licenses, and diplomas. You control what information to share and with whom.
Electronic Signatures
Legal framework for digital signatures that are recognized across all EU countries, with different levels of security for different purposes.
Trust Services
Services that ensure the security of electronic transactions, including digital certificates, timestamps, and website authentication.
Cross-Border Recognition
Digital identities and signatures from one EU country are automatically recognized and accepted in all other EU countries.
Privacy Protection
You have full control over your personal data. Service providers cannot track you across different uses of your digital identity.
Qualified Services
Highest level of trust services for critical applications like legal contracts, with the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.
What This Means for Different Stakeholders
For Most Businesses
- • Limited direct compliance requirements
- • Use digital identity services as end users
- • Accept digital identities from any EU country
- • Benefit from streamlined customer onboarding
- • Enable secure remote contract signing
Note: Most businesses will interact with eIDAS 2.0 as users of digital identity services, not as regulated providers.
For Citizens
- • One digital wallet works across all EU countries
- • Control exactly what information you share
- • Access government services online securely
- • Sign legal documents from anywhere
- • Prove qualifications and credentials digitally
Note: Digital wallets are optional but will provide convenient access to many services.
For Regulated Providers
- • Meet qualification requirements for trust services
- • Implement security and reliability standards
- • Enable cross-border service provision
- • Ensure interoperability with EU digital wallets
- • Maintain audit trails and compliance records
Note: Includes trust service providers, digital wallet providers, and identity infrastructure companies.
Implementation Timeline
eIDAS 2.0 Regulation enters into force. Planning and development phase begins.
Technical standards and implementation guidelines published. EU member states begin developing digital wallet infrastructure.
European Digital Identity Wallets become available to all EU citizens. Cross-border digital identity services go live.
Gradual expansion of use cases and services. Integration with more government and private sector services across the EU.
Common eIDAS 2.0 Questions
Will my current electronic signature still be valid?
Yes, existing qualified electronic signatures remain valid and legally binding. eIDAS 2.0 expands the framework but doesn't invalidate current trust services that meet the requirements.
Do I have to use a European Digital Identity Wallet?
No, the digital wallets are optional for citizens. However, they will provide convenient access to many online services and will be necessary for certain government interactions that require high-level identity verification.
How does eIDAS 2.0 protect my privacy?
The regulation includes strong privacy protections: you control what information to share, service providers cannot track you across different uses, and the principle of data minimization ensures only necessary information is shared for each interaction.
What if my business already provides trust services?
Existing qualified trust service providers will need to ensure they meet any updated technical and security requirements. The regulation aims for continuity, so most current services should be able to adapt to the new framework.