EU regulations regarding eID

An eID is an electronic means of identification that a user can use to identify and authenticate themselves in a digital service/self-service solution.

There are three EU regulations, that are especially relevant for the use of an eID in connection with cross-border services. These are the following: 

• eIDAS Regulation 910/2014
• Single Digital Gateway Regulation 1724/2018
• Revision of eIDAS the Regulation 910/2014

EU legislation

The eIDAS regulation from 2014 aims to promote the possibility for citizens and businesses to use an eID across the EU's internal borders. In order for an eID to be used, it must go through a notification process in the EU, where the member states approve each other's eID. MitID is the Danish eID and has been notified, which enables its use across EU/EEA countries. In addition, the Agency for Digital Government has established an eID Gateway that makes it possible to receive an EU user with an eID in Denmark.

In addition to the eIDAS regulation, the Single Digital Gateway Regulation (SDGR) was adopted in 2018. The purpose of the regulation is to make it easier for cross-border EU citizens and companies to search for information and serve themselves digitally in the internal market. The SDGR applies to a variety of procedures (described in Annexes I and II of the Regulation) and obligates the Competent Authority to make their relevant digital self-service solutions available to EU citizens using an eID from another EU Member State.

The spread and usage of eIDs across the EU is still limited, which has contributed to the revision of the eIDAS Regulation from 2014. The revision of the eIDAS Regulation fell into place at the end of 2023. The revision includes the requirement that, in addition to recognizing each other's eIDs, EU Member States must also establish their own eIDs. However, this is in the form of a new type of eID called a digital identity wallet, which needs to be created. The original eIDs can be used for identification and authentication, but a digital identity wallet must also be able to be used for the exchange of documentation and contain relevant evidence for the EU citizen. The revision of the eIDAS regulations is being implemented towards 2026.