Plastic evidence goes down in history? Europe is preparing a digital revolution

The European Union is working on the introduction of European digital identity (Eudi), which is to revolutionize the way citizens identify. The new system in the form of a digital wallet will be available on mobile devices. As planned, its implementation is to take place in 2026. The initiative will cover not only citizens, but also companies operating in the community.

Digital wallet

The Eudi digital wallet will allow you to confirm identity and verify both online and offline data. As announced by Ursula von der Leyen, the technology will allow citizens to control their own data and simplify contact with administration, banks or a private sector. One device is enough – a smartphone – to settle official matters, open a bank account or make a reservation.

The Eudi project is already in the testing phase. From April 1, 2023, there is a pilot covering four test initiatives. Over 250 companies and institutions from 25 countries, including Norway, Iceland and Ukraine, participate in them. The purpose of the pilot is to check the system’s operation in various areas and eliminate errors before its full implementation.

Full -fledged documents

Germans are preparing for similar changes. The Ministry of Digitization and Transport plans to allow a digital driving license as a full document. From April, drivers will be able to use an electronic document available by the mobile application. This is part of a wider digital transformation, which is to simplify the lives of users.

In March 2025, a digital driving license was piloted in Germany with the participation of 2.5 thousand. people. Based on their experience, the system was corrected and prepared for wider implementation. The European digital identity is to be another step towards digital administration throughout the European Union.