EUeIDAS

EUeIDAS refers to the European framework for electronic identification, authentication and trust services in the internal market. It is established by Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, commonly known as the eIDAS Regulation, which came into effect on 1 July 2016. The aim is to enable secure, legally interoperable electronic interactions among citizens, businesses and public authorities across EU member states.

Electronic identification under eIDAS creates a basis for cross-border recognition of national eIDs. Member states may rely on electronic identifications issued in other member states to access online public services, subject to national rules and safeguards. This mutual recognition is designed to simplify cross-border public service access while maintaining appropriate privacy and security controls.

Trust services form the other major pillar of eIDAS. The regulation covers electronic signatures, electronic seals, time-stamps, electronic registered delivery services, and website authentication. Qualified trust service providers issue qualified certificates and provide the corresponding trust services, which carry legal effects recognized across the EU. Among electronic signatures, qualified electronic signatures meet the highest level of assurance, require a qualified certificate and a secure signature creation device, and have the same legal standing as a handwritten signature in the union.

Governance and supervision are carried out at both national and EU levels. Member states designate competent supervisory authorities to regulate trust service providers and ensure compliance with the regulation, while the European Commission coordinates cross-border alignment and enforcement.

Since its introduction, eIDAS has shaped how electronic identity and trusted digital services operate in the EU, supporting secure online public services, digital transactions and cross-border cooperation.