In the future, German citizens will be able to identify themselves digitally using their smartphone throughout the EU. The federal government has decided to develop a digital wallet – and it should offer even more than just ID.
Bank cards, boarding passes or concert tickets can already be easily saved and presented on your smartphone. This should also be possible for German citizens with their ID card in the future. The federal government has now decided to develop a wallet for digital identity (EUDI wallet).
The Federal Ministry of the Interior announced that citizens across the EU should be able to identify themselves digitally using the free, state-owned wallet. It would also be possible to store identity information and official documents. The electronic signature should be integrated as a further function.
No reader necessary
“We want citizens to be able to prove their identity quickly, securely and easily directly via their smartphone – without an additional card or reader,” explained Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The new wallet is intended to help in everyday life, but also when applying for jobs, with online banking and in contact with authorities. The minister emphasized that security standards and privacy would be protected.
Implementation by 2027
The federal government’s plans are to be implemented gradually by 2027. The Interior Ministry announced that the functions will be continually expanded. Non-governmental providers such as foundations and companies would also have the opportunity to develop their own EUDI wallets and have them recognized in Germany. “To give citizens freedom of choice and promote innovation,” it said.
The European Parliament gave the starting signal for the development of such wallets in February 2024. The regulation requires all EU member states to provide at least one EUDI wallet by 2027.