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[To Eurosmart members only]
Commission presented the European Digital Identity proposal to the European Parliament
On 17 June, the European Commission presented its proposal for a European Digital Identity framework to the members of the European Parliament (ITRE Committee). Lorena Boix Alonso, Director for Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity, explained that the current system (eIDAS) does not meet user expectations. Only 14 Member States have joined the system for mutual recognition. It is also too focused on access to public services, while citizens need an eID to access private services as well. Private providers of eID services present concerns around data privacy and security. She added that Apple is soon to propose an eID wallet. The European Commission wants to offer an alternative, a solution that is not fully in the hands of commercial companies.
She underlines that Member States would be obliged to provide citizens with an eID that can be used across borders (mandatory notification). This must also comprise an eID wallet which can contain other credentials and documents. She quoted here the example of the COVID certificate, which could be included in the wallet. Member States can mandate a private company to operate the eID wallet but they must officially be behind the project. A major difference with private wallets is that these European ID wallets need to be linked to an official eID.
Lorena Boix Alonso further explained that the EU is moving from a system based on mutual recognition to a system based on common standards. The solutions will be built on these common standards from the outset. She mentioned the technical work that is starting now, in parallel to the legislative process.
On cybersecurity, Ms. Boix Alonso reiterated that the wallet needs to be notified at the highest possible security level. She also highlighted that there is no plan to propose a central registry for the data of European citizens.
A few MEPs were present for this debate. Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, Portugal) made a comment on the need to ensure a democratic approach. Marisa Matias (The Left, Portugal) mentioned the digital inequalities and how these might create different types of citizens.
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