eIDASregime

The eIDAS regime, short for electronic identification and trust services regime, is established by Regulation (EU) 910/2014 to provide a unified framework for cross-border electronic identification and trust services in the European Union. It aims to enable secure and seamless electronic interactions among citizens, businesses, and public authorities across member states by reducing the need for multiple national credentials and procedures.

Its core elements include electronic identification (eID) schemes recognized across borders and a set of trust services. These trust services cover electronic signatures and seals, time-stamping, electronic registered delivery services, and website authentication certificates. The regime specifies that a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature across the EU, and a qualified electronic seal has a similar effect for legal entities.

Implementation and governance: Each member state designates competent authorities and supervisory bodies to oversee providers of trust services and ensure conformity with technical and security standards. Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs) operate under these authorities, with conformity assessments and cross-border recognition within the eIDAS network. The European Commission and ENISA support policy development, cybersecurity, and cooperation among national authorities, while national eIDAS authorities facilitate cross-border use of designated eIDs for accessing online public services.

Impact and scope: The regime supports a Digital Single Market by enabling interoperable, trusted digital identities and trusted services for official transactions, while preserving privacy and data protection. It does not create a common EU eID, but rather ensures mutual recognition of national eIDs and trust services within a common regulatory framework.