The EU adopts its first standard for Digital Identity Wallets

These rules aim to enable the deployment of interoperable national applications, expected by the end of 2026 in the European Union.

On November 28, 2024, the European Commission adopted “rules on essential functionalities and certification” for the future European digital identity wallets (eID). These standards aim to facilitate the development of dedicated applications by each Member State while ensuring their interoperability. The availability of these national eIDs is planned for the end of 2026.

“Data is stored locally on the wallet, allowing users to maintain control over the information they share, with no tracking or profiling embedded in the application design,” explains Brussels. These eIDs are intended to serve as a sovereign and GDPR-compliant alternative to solutions offered by tech giants like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

The 27 Member States still need to adopt additional standards, such as the required data formats for the cross-border use of digital documents. Currently, 360 private and public organizations are testing eID prototypes across the European Union.

France, for its part, is expected to adapt its national digital identity application, France Identité, to the standards of these European wallets. It will likely integra