The European Digital Identity Wallet: Simplifying secure access to online services
How the European Commission is enabling digital identity through open data
The European Digital Identity Wallet is set to transform how citizens securely access online services across the European Union. This innovative tool will allow individuals to store and manage official documents—such as identification cards, driving licences, and medical prescriptions—digitally on their devices, simplifying seamless interactions with both public and private sectors throughout Europe.
To bring this vision to reality, the European Commission has enacted the European Digital Identity Framework Regulation, which came into force in May 2024. This regulation mandates that by 2026, all Member States must offer at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet to citizens and residents, ensuring a harmonised approach to digital identity across the EU. In support of this initiative, the Digital Europe Programme has co-funded four large-scale pilot projects since May 2023. These pilots involve approximately 360 entities—including private companies and public authorities—from 26 Member States, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Ukraine, working collaboratively to test and refine the wallet's functionality.
Open data is integral to the development and success of the European Digital Identity Wallet. By leveraging publicly accessible datasets, the wallet ensures robust identity verification and promotes interoperability between national digital systems. This integration enhances user trust and streamlines access to services such as banking, healthcare, and travel, all while granting individuals greater control over their personal data.
As the European Digital Identity Wallet progresses towards full implementation, discover our wide set of datasets that support the European Digital Identity Wallet initiative and stay tuned for more updates.
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