The European Union‘s eIDAS 2.0 regulation is revolutionizing digital identity management by introducing the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet and new trust services that work seamlessly across all member states.
This updated framework enables organizations to integrate comprehensive digital identity and authentication capabilities through unified APIs, delivering true global operability for businesses operating in the European market.
Key Differences Between eIDAS and eIDAS 2.0
While the original eIDAS regulation (adopted in 2014) laid the groundwork for electronic identification and trust services in Europe, eIDAS 2.0 takes digital identity to the next level with a broader scope and stronger interoperability. Here’s how they differ:
- Introduction of the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet: eIDAS 2.0 adds a secure, user-controlled digital wallet that lets individuals store and share verified identity credentials—something the original regulation did not include.
- Expanded Trust Services: Beyond electronic signatures and seals, eIDAS 2.0 introduces new qualified trust services, such as electronic archiving, electronic ledgers, and attestation of attributes.
- Mandatory Acceptance by Businesses: Under eIDAS 2.0, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and certain public and private entities must accept the EUDI Wallet for user authentication and verification.
- Enhanced Data Protection and User Control: The new regulation reinforces privacy-by-design principles, giving users more control over what personal data is shared and with whom.
- Updated Technical Standards (ETSI Alignment): eIDAS 2.0 strengthens compliance by aligning with updated ETSI standards for identity proofing, certificate management, and interoperability between member states.
- Greater Cross-Border Interoperability: While eIDAS established mutual recognition within the EU, eIDAS 2.0 aims for universal, API-driven operability—creating a foundation for global recognition of digital identities.
Understanding the ETSI Standards Behind eIDAS 2.0
The eIDAS regulation builds upon robust technical standards developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). These standards, such as ETSI EN 319 401 regarding security requirements and ETSI TS 119 461 on identity proofing, provide the technical foundation to ensure that all digital identity services meet strict security and interoperability requirements across the EU.
ETSI standards translate the legal requirements of eIDAS 2.0 into practical, implementable technical solutions. This means when organizations integrate eIDAS-compliant services, they’re leveraging proven specifications designed for mutual recognition across all European member states.
Advanced vs. Qualified Electronic Signatures
The eIDAS regulation recognizes different levels of electronic signatures, with two primary categories that organizations need to understand:
Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) provide strong identity verification and document integrity through flexible cryptographic means (soft private keys). These signatures are legally recognized and offer solid protection against tampering with electronic documents, making them suitable for most business transactions and workflows.
Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) represent the highest level of assurance under the eIDAS 2.0 regulation, guaranteeing the same legal effect as handwritten signatures. They require qualified certificates issued by qualified trust service providers and the use of certified cryptographic modules to ensure the sole control of the signatory. QES are essential for high-value transactions, regulatory filings, and situations requiring maximum legal certainty.
The key difference lies in the cryptographic protection of the signing key and the legal weight each carries. While AES signatures streamline most business processes, QES signatures provide the ultimate legal assurance for critical transactions.
Real-World Applications Driving eIDAS 2.0 Adoption
The EUDI Wallet is already transforming how citizens and businesses interact with digital services. Healthcare organizations use eIDAS-compliant signatures for patient consent forms and medical records, ensuring data protection while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Financial services companies leverage these standards for loan applications, account openings, and regulatory reporting purposes. The identification, authentication, and trust services provided under eIDAS 2.0 enable banks to verify customer identities remotely while meeting strict regulatory requirements.
Government agencies are implementing eIDAS-compliant systems for tax filings, permit applications, and citizen services. The standardized approach ensures that citizens can use their digital credentials seamlessly across different departments and member states.
Industry Requirements Across European Sectors
Several European industries utilize eIDAS 2.0 to address stringent compliance requirements, including:
- The banking and financial services sector must implement secure and reliable digital identity verification for anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.
- Healthcare organizations handling patient data across borders require eIDAS-compliant signatures for cross-border healthcare directives and electronic health records. The regulatory environment demands these organizations maintain the highest levels of identity assurance while enabling seamless patient care.
- Telecommunications companies and Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) must accept EU digital identity wallets for customer verification and service provisioning. This requirement ensures that citizens can use their verified digital credentials across various online services without undergoing repeated identity verification processes.
Public procurement processes are increasingly requiring eIDAS-compliant signatures for bid submissions and contract execution, thereby streamlining government purchasing while maintaining transparency and accountability.
SSL.com’s Comprehensive eIDAS 2.0 Solutions
SSL.com’s suite of digital signing and identity verification solutions addresses the full spectrum of eIDAS 2.0 requirements through integrated APIs and cloud-based services. Our eSigner platform currently offers Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES) and will soon offer Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), allowing organizations to select the appropriate assurance level for each use case when applying digital signatures.
The Document Signing Gateway provides seamless integration capabilities, enabling developers to embed eIDAS-compliant signing workflows directly into their existing applications. This approach reduces development complexity while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Our cloud-based certificate authority services support the entire certificate lifecycle, from issuance through revocation, providing the PKI foundation necessary for eIDAS 2.0 compliance.
Future-Proofing Your Digital Identity Strategy
SSL.com’s commitment to staying ahead of regulatory developments ensures our customers can focus on their core business while we handle the complexities of compliance and technical implementation.
The promise of eIDAS 2.0, a single API with global operability across European markets, is becoming a reality. Organizations that adopt this standardized approach to digital identity will gain a competitive advantage through reduced compliance costs, enhanced user experiences, and seamless cross-border operations. SSL.com’s comprehensive platform makes this transition straightforward, providing the technical foundation for success in Europe’s digital future.
