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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2021)0281 – C90200/2021 – 2021/0136(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as regards establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity

IMCO-PA-704865

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection · Rapporteur: Andrus Ansip

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This is the draft opinion of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on the proposed regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 to create a framework for a European Digital Identity. It proposes eleven amendments to the Commission proposal. The amendments require Member States to issue a European Digital Identity Wallet within 12 months of entry into force, make its use free of charge to all users, and allow software-based security technologies alongside secure elements. They also add professional qualifications to the services where private relying parties must accept the Wallets, require mutual recognition in cross-border public services, and make several linguistic and clarity changes.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes eleven amendments to the Commission proposal, mainly to allow software-based security technologies, require Member States to issue Wallets within 12 months, make Wallet use free of charge to all users, add professional qualifications to the services that must accept Wallets, and ensure mutual recognition in cross-border public services.

Key points

  1. The rapporteur says the proposal is an important step towards European integration and the EU Digital Single Market, and aims to improve it in light of the digital transition.
  2. The rapporteur argues that European Digital Identity Wallets will let citizens, consumers and businesses access services online without using identification means offered by big platforms or sharing unnecessary personal data.
  3. The rapporteur states that weak or non-existent digital verification costs businesses six to seven weeks on average to verify the identity of potential partners or clients.
  4. The rapporteur wants a cross-border eID that acts as a passport for the digital world, letting citizens use medical prescriptions in neighbouring countries, rent a car, register in a new country and prove identity in any European hospital.
  5. Amendment 1 to Recital 9 says Wallets should allow online and offline identification and authentication across borders, support offline use such as ePrescriptions with QR-codes, rely on the level of assurance 'high', and allow qualified electronic signatures and seals.
  6. The rapporteur adds that software-based security technologies, not relying on specific hardware or a telecom provider, should be allowed because they shorten supply chains, improve EU digital sovereignty and allow more flexible fixes.
  7. Amendment 2 changes Article 1(1)(a) so that Member States 'provide and recognise' electronic identification means of natural and legal persons under a notified scheme of another Member State.
  8. Amendment 3 requires each Member State to issue a European Digital Identity Wallet within 12 months after entry into force, to strengthen the digital single market and consumer choice, trust and control.
  9. Amendment 4 adds a new point (ba) to Article 6a(3) so users can securely use their digital identity across borders and across sectors.
  10. Amendments 5 and 6 split Article 6a(6) into two paragraphs so that the use of European Digital Identity Wallets is free of charge to all users, without discrimination.
  11. Amendment 7 clarifies that the conditions listed in Article 7(1) are cumulative, and Amendment 8 requires the Commission to publish notified eID schemes in the Official Journal without undue delay.
  12. Amendment 9 adds professional qualifications to the areas where private relying parties must accept European Digital Identity Wallets, and Amendment 10 adds mutual recognition to cross-border authentication for public online services.

Who is affected

  • Member States, which must issue European Digital Identity Wallets within 12 months and notify eID schemes.
  • Natural and legal persons in the Union, who gain secure cross-border access to public and private services.
  • Users of European Digital Identity Wallets, who must be able to use them free of charge and without discrimination.
  • Private relying parties in transport, energy, banking, financial services, social security, health, drinking water, postal services, digital infrastructure, education, professional qualifications and telecommunications, which must accept the Wallets.
  • Public sector bodies in Member States, which must recognise electronic identification means issued in another Member State for cross-border authentication.

Figures and deadlines

  • 12 months after the entry into force of this Regulation — deadline for each Member State to issue a European Digital Identity Wallet.
  • 12 months after the entry into force of this Regulation — deadline for Member States to notify at least one electronic identification scheme.
  • six to seven weeks — average time businesses in Europe spend verifying the identity of potential business partners or clients.