Electronic Identification: another step towards achievement of a digital Europe

"Today, we are taking another step towards the achievement of a digital Europe", said Marielle Gallo MEP, Rapporteur in the Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, and Pilar del Castillo MEP, Shadow Rapporteur in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, after the adoption, by a large majority at first reading, of the Report on the Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market.

"With this new Regulation, administrative procedures will be digitalised more easily because paper and electronic documents will have the same legal value. This will cut red tape and make life easier for businesses, citizens and public services. This is the value of the Internet!", explained Marielle Gallo.

"Today's vote will increase confidence in electronic services by making electronic transactions for individuals, businesses and public administrations more secure and consequently, representing a decisive boost for Europe's Digital Single Market", said Pilar del Castillo.

"Trust is the key element for citizens to use the Internet. This is why I introduced a Trustmark to the new Regulation", continued Gallo. Service providers who meet the security requirements laid down in the legislation may use the Trustmark.

"From now on, European citizens can use electronic identification schemes (e-IDs) to access public services in other EU countries, for example to register at a university. Services such as the electronic signature or electronic registered delivery will have a more modern and strengthened legal framework", concluded Marielle Gallo.

Both elements of the Regulation - e-ID and trust services - will create a predictable regulatory environment to enable secure and seamless electronic interactions between businesses, citizens and public authorities.