Table of contents
- What is the eIDAS Regulation and what is it for
- How the eIDAS system works
- What’s new in eIDAS Regulation 2
- Impact on citizens, businesses, and public administrations
The eIDAS Regulation is one of the cornerstones of the European Union’s digital strategy. The acronym stands for Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services, and it defines the legal framework that enables citizens, businesses, and public administrations to recognize each other and interact securely online.
With the introduction of eIDAS Regulation 2, Europe is entering a new phase: that of the European Digital Identity, designed to ensure unified, secure, and interoperable access to public and private services throughout the EU.
But what exactly is the eIDAS Regulation, how does it work in practice, and what are its real benefits for companies and users? This guide explores the key points of EU Regulation No. 910/2014, the updates introduced by its second version, and the role of qualified trust services and trust service providers in building a reliable digital ecosystem.
What is the eIDAS Regulation and what is it for
The European eIDAS Regulation (EU Regulation No. 910/2014) came into force in 2016 with the goal of establishing a uniform legal framework for electronic identification and trust services within the EU’s Digital Single Market.
In practice, the regulation allows electronic documents, electronic signatures, and electronic seals to have the same legal value as their paper or physical equivalents, provided they meet specific technical and security requirements.
Example
This means that an Italian citizen can access a public portal in Germany or the Netherlands using their SPID or Electronic Identity Card (CIE), without needing to create new accounts or perform separate verification procedures.
The system is based on three key concepts:
- Identification
The digital identification of a person or organization; - Authentication
Verifying the identity during access to a service; - Trust Services
Electronic trust services that ensure the security, integrity, and authenticity of communications and documents.
How the eIDAS system works
The eIDAS Regulation defines a technical and legal infrastructure that connects the national electronic identification systems of EU member states, making them mutually recognized.
Each country participates through an interconnection platform (the eIDAS node) that allows citizens and businesses to use their national digital identity to access cross-border online services.
Within this ecosystem, accredited entities known as Trust Service Providers (TSPs) operate, offering certified solutions such as:
- Advanced and qualified electronic signatures;
- Electronic seals ensuring the authenticity of corporate documents;
- Electronic time stamps certifying the date and time of a digital event;
- Electronic registered delivery services, equivalent to traditional registered mail;
- Website authentication certificates, enabling secure (HTTPS) connections.
Together, these elements create a secure electronic environment based on trust and legally recognized validity across all EU member states.
What’s new in eIDAS Regulation 2
The new eIDAS Regulation 2, approved by the European Commission and set for implementation between 2024 and 2026, expands and strengthens the original framework.
Its main innovation is the introduction of the European Digital Identity (EUDI Wallet) — a digital wallet that allows citizens to securely store and manage documents and credentials such as driving licences, academic degrees, medical certificates, or professional cards directly on their smartphones.
With this digital identity, every citizen will be able to:
- authenticate online without passwords;
- sign documents with a qualified electronic signature;
- access public and private services throughout Europe;
- selectively disclose personal data (for example, proving they are of legal age without showing their full date of birth).
The eIDAS 2 Regulation also introduces new qualified trust services, such as the management of electronic attestations and long-term preservation of digital documents, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of information over time.
Impact on citizens, businesses, and public administrations
For European citizens, eIDAS 2 means having a single digital identity recognized across the EU, reducing the need for multiple registrations and increasing control over personal data.
For businesses, the benefits are twofold: on one hand, they can simplify signing and authentication processes in digital contracts and communications; on the other, they can expand into new markets thanks to the cross-border legal recognition of their digital services.
Public administrations will be able to integrate national electronic identification systems with the European Digital Identity, improving interoperability and reducing bureaucratic costs.
Example
A Spanish entrepreneur will be able to digitally sign a contract with an Italian authority using their qualified electronic signature, which will be automatically recognized as valid under the eIDAS 2 Regulation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the eIDAS Regulation?
It is EU Regulation No. 910/2014, which governs electronic identification and digital trust services within the European Union. - What does eIDAS mean?
It stands for Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services, defining the standards for secure digital identity and trust in the EU. - What does eIDAS 2 introduce?
It introduces the European Digital Identity (EUDI Wallet) and new qualified trust services for secure management of personal data. - When will eIDAS 2 come into effect?
Implementation is expected between 2024 and 2026, with progressive adoption by EU member states. - What are qualified trust services?
They are certified digital services that ensure the security, integrity, and authenticity of electronic transactions. - What are electronic seals?
They are digital tools that verify the origin and integrity of an electronic document. - Who are trust service providers?
They are accredited entities offering electronic signatures, time stamps, seals, and registered delivery services. - How does eIDAS relate to GDPR?
The two complement each other: eIDAS ensures technical and legal trust, while GDPR protects personal data. - What does eIDAS 2 mean for businesses?
It allows companies to streamline digital workflows and operate legally across the EU using secure, recognized authentication methods. - What are the benefits of the European Digital Identity for citizens?
It offers unified access to services, greater data control, and secure authentication in every member state.
