eIDAS

eIDAS, short for the Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market, is a European Union framework that establishes a legal basis for electronic identification and for trust services used in online interactions. Its aim is to enable secure, seamless cross-border electronic interactions between citizens, businesses, and public authorities within the EU.

The regulation provides for mutual recognition of National electronic identification (eID) schemes across EU member states for accessing public services online. It requires member states to notify their eID schemes to the European Commission, enabling cross-border authentication and increasing trust in cross-border digital public services.

Trust services are another core component of eIDAS. The regulation covers electronic signatures, electronic seals, time stamping, electronic delivery of documents, and website authentication, as well as certificates for electronic signatures and seals. It distinguishes between basic, advanced, and qualified electronic signatures, with a qualified electronic signature created by a qualified electronic signature creation device having the same legal effect as a handwritten signature under EU law.

To ensure reliability, the regulation imposes governance and security requirements on trust service providers and designates supervisory authorities in each member state. Qualified trust service providers are subject to conformity assessment and higher assurance requirements, and a public registry tracks notified eID schemes and trust services.

Overall, eIDAS aims to foster secure, trustful online transactions and reduce barriers to cross-border public services in the European internal market, while providing a clear legal framework for electronic identification and trusted digital services.