The CoE-DSC has written a whitepaper addressing changes in the EU digital identity landscape which stem from the revision of the eIDAS regulation. The paper covers the impact that regulatory changes have on digital identity procedures in data spaces and offers a practical roadmap on grasping new opportunities and staying up to date. The insights in the whitepaper were calibrated through interviews with various expert groups including experts from data spaces, technology providers, and EU bodies.
The CoE-DCS team would like to thank BDI DIL, Catena X, Cleverbase, DSGO, DSSC, HDN, iSHARE, Ledger Leopard, MFFBAS, SBR Nexus, SCSN, and Sphereon for their contribution to the research.
Whitepaper context
Since digital identity is one of the building blocks for the successful development of data spaces, the CoE-DSC closely monitors developments in the area. In the EU, part of the digital identity market is regulated under eIDAS (regulation for electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services), which is now under revision. The regulatory changes introduce new trust services and EU digital identity wallets for natural and legal persons, which can be utilised by data spaces.
Considering these upcoming changes, the CoE-DSC aims to create an understanding of implications for its stakeholders in data spaces (e.g. data sharing initiatives and service providers). In the whitepaper, the CoE-DSC presents its research on the impact of (a) the eIDAS revision and (b) the EU digital identity landscape. The paper identifies how data spaces can strategically approach new opportunities.
Relevance of the whitepaper for your data space
eIDAS, both current and revised, offers opportunities for enhancing digital identity procedures in data spaces. The whitepaper covers practical steps and recommendations to best grasp the opportunities that eIDAS brings. Data spaces are encouraged to do the following three things:
- Engage proactively with the eIDAS regulation: Leverage eIDAS1 and eIDAS2 functionalities to improve your digital identity processes. For data spaces that face mandatory acceptance of the EDIW (EU Digital Identity Wallets), be aware that implementation timelines are short. The issuance of the EDIW is expected at the beginning of 2026. It is recommended to start preparing now and evaluate if your sector faces mandatory acceptance (see paragraph 28 in the eIDAS revision text as of November 2023).
- Follow the roadmap to implement suitable digital identity solutions that ensures interoperability in the long run: Data spaces should explore opportunities while building upon the foundation of eIDAS as a generic way to support digital identity processes in a future-proof and interoperable manner. Leveraging common EU-wide digital identity means allows for easier growth of a data space in terms of new participants. It also enables cross-sectoral data sharing opportunities. Data spaces can follow the roadmap presented in this whitepaper to identify suitable digital identity solutions and stay up to date with regulatory changes.
- Foster collaboration and partnerships: Encourage collaboration and partnerships in and among data spaces, digital identity providers, and regulatory bodies. This collaborative approach can lead to a better understanding of the practical implications of eIDAS and is the key to attain value in the long run.
These recommendations aim to reinforce the strategic approach of data spaces in adapting to eIDAS regulations and the evolving EU digital identity landscape that emerges from those.
If you have any questions about the whitepaper or would like to follow up regarding the topic of digital identity and eIDAS, please contact us at info@coe-dsc.nl
