The Evolution of eIDAS
Understanding the transformative changes from 1.0 to 2.0
VS
Legacy
eIDAS 1.0
Established 2014
Adoption
Optional for Member States
- Countries could choose whether to participate
- Only 60% of member states offered eID schemes
- No mandatory implementation deadline
Scope
Public Sector Focus
- Primarily for government services
- Cross-border public sector transactions
- Limited private sector integration
Technology
Physical Cards & Tokens
- Technology-neutral approach
- Often relied on physical cards
- Desktop-oriented solutions
Privacy
Basic GDPR Protection
- Standard data protection
- Limited selective disclosure
- Traditional privacy measures
Credentials
Focus on Signatures & Seals
- Electronic signatures
- Electronic seals
- Timestamps and delivery services
Assurance
Variable Levels
- Low, Substantial, or High assurance
- Not uniformly implemented
- Inconsistent security standards
Next Generation
eIDAS 2.0
Adopted 2024 • Live by Nov 2026
Adoption
Mandatory for All Member States
- All 27 countries must provide wallets
- 100% coverage across the EU
- Hard deadline: November 2026
Scope
Public & Private Sectors
- Government and private services
- Banking, healthcare, education, travel
- Large platforms must accept wallets
Technology
Mobile-First Digital Wallets
- Smartphone-based wallet apps
- Store multiple credentials digitally
- Offline functionality supported
Privacy
Enhanced Privacy-by-Design
- Selective disclosure of attributes
- User control over all data sharing
- Unlinkability across services
Credentials
Qualified Electronic Attestations (QEAAs)
- Digital diplomas and certificates
- Professional qualifications
- Licenses, permits, and more
Assurance
High Assurance (LoA High)
- Mandatory LoA High support
- Strong multi-factor authentication
- Uniform security standards
🌟 Key Transformative Changes
Universal Access
From optional to mandatory—450 million citizens will have access to digital identity by 2026
Private Sector Integration
Banks, retailers, and platforms must accept EUDI Wallets, expanding use beyond government
Mobile Revolution
Shift from physical cards to smartphone-based digital wallets with offline capability
Privacy Control
Users choose exactly what to share through selective disclosure technology
Expanded Credentials
Beyond signatures to include diplomas, licenses, and verified attributes
Unified Security
All wallets must meet LoA High standards with consistent security protocols
⚠️ Critical Compliance Note
Government agencies and institutions must transition from eIDAS 1.0 to 2.0 by November 2026. This means upgrading infrastructure, implementing wallet compatibility, digitizing credentials, and ensuring all online services accept EUDI Wallets. Organizations that delay risk non-compliance and inability to serve citizens effectively.