Digital transformation, accelerated by AI and data technologies, and by the need to both strengthen security against identity theft and data breaches and simplify digital journeys, is reshaping how citizens and businesses manage identities, data and transactions.

In this context, two major initiatives are taking shape: the rollout of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW), following the evolution of the eIDAS regulatory framework, and the development of the European Business Wallet…

Through these mechanisms, supported by major European initiatives such as Aptitude and the We Build Consortium, the European Union aims to build a digital environment that is safer, more efficient, and more inclusive. These initiatives are also part of a broader sustainable development approach, notably contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Many European companies, including Orange, are part of this broader effort to help shape a more inclusive and secure digital environment.

1. eIDAS v2 regulation: strengthening trust in digital identity

Why a second version of the eIDAS regulation?

Adopted in July 2014, the eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification and Trust Services) laid the foundation for a trusted framework for electronic transactions in Europe. It enabled the mutual recognition of electronic signatures, certificates, and other trust services across the European Union.

However, in response to technological developments and the growing challenges of digital security, the regulation has been modernised to ensure greater security, trust, and interoperability across online services. The version eIDAS 2.0 aims to strengthen security, facilitate access to digital services, and enhance the protection of personal data through the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). This new version notably introduces the integration of decentralised identification solutions, enhanced mutual recognition, and greater user control over personal data.

Benefits for citizens and businesses

The expected benefits are numerous:

• Regaining control: Citizens will be able to manage their personal data themselves through digital wallets, strengthening their digital sovereignty.
• Decentralisation of information: Reducing reliance on centralised data management by large technology companies, thereby enhancing privacy protection.
• Level playing field: Promoting fair and healthy competition in the use of trust services, in full compliance with the GDPR.
• Trusted digital identity: Supporting a secure, accessible, and interoperable European digital identity, helping to reduce fraud and identity theft.
• Greater interoperability: Facilitating the mutual recognition of digital identities across the EU, contributing to a unified European digital market.
• Simplified user journeys: Saving time in the exchange of identity attributes while ensuring the reliability and authenticity of data sources.

81% of surveyed Europeans believe that improving cybersecurity and online data protection would make it easier for them to use digital technologies.

Source: Eurobarometer, “The Digital Decade” (2025)

2. The European Digital Identity Wallet: providing citizens with a digital identity

What is the European Digital Identity Wallet?

The European Digital Identity Wallet is a mobile application, issued by each Member State, enabling EU citizens and residents to:

• Store and securely share certified credentials (known as Verifiable Credentials) issued by trusted entities (e.g. driving licence, identity card, diploma);
• Authenticate themselves to access public and private services;
• Prove their identity without disclosing sensitive information;
• Control which data is shared and with whom;
• Electronically sign documents.

Scheduled to be available by the end of 2026 at the latest, this digital wallet represents a major step forward towards a truly digital Europe.

State of play of European progress and regulatory obligations

To achieve the objective of 80% of citizens equipped by 2030, the European Union has put in place measures to encourage the adoption of European Digital Identity Wallets, notably through regulatory obligations.

As of 2027, the regulation (Article 5(7)) will apply to:

• Companies requiring strong authentication under national or European legislation, which will be required to accept the EUDI Wallet as a means of identification. These sectors notably include Transport, Energy, Banking and Financial Services, Social Security and Healthcare, Drinking Water, Postal Services, Digital Infrastructure, Education, and Telecommunications.
• Public services: where a Member State requires electronic identification to access an online service, it must accept the European Digital Identity Wallet provided in accordance with the regulation.
• Very large online platforms (more than 45 million active users per month), such as Amazon, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Apple, and Google, which will be required to enable users to log in using the EUDI Wallet.

Use cases

With the European Digital Identity Wallet, citizens will be able to present their identity attributes and credentials securely and more easily in situations such as:

• Subscribing to or purchasing products and services, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan;
• Reviewing a legal or administrative file with a public or private entity (e.g. insurer, mutual fund, hospital);
• Travelling within their country or across the European Union (e.g. checks on trains or at airports);
• Renting a vehicle (e.g. proof of identity, driving license);
• Accessing online administrative procedures and public services;
• Creating an employment contract with an employer;
• Accessing controlled venues, such as casinos or professional buildings.

3. The European Business Wallet: simplifying life for businesses

What is the Business Wallet?

The European Business Wallet is presented as an innovative solution for professional stakeholders (companies, public institutions).

As defined in the draft regulation proposal published on 19 November 2025, it is intended to enable businesses to efficiently manage their electronic credentials and identification data, and to facilitate secure interactions with partners, public authorities, and customers.

Key features of the Business Wallet

The main proposed features include:

• Management and use of business identity credentials;
• Secure requesting and sharing of data;
• Issuance of identity credentials to employees, partners, and customers;
• Mandate management;
• Identification and authentication;
• Secure communication via encrypted channels;
• Interoperability with citizens’ wallets and national registers.

These features aim to reduce administrative burden, strengthen security, and speed up verification processes, particularly in the context of KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYS (Know Your Supplier).

Use cases

Several use cases illustrate the added value of the Business Wallet and its associated services:

• Automating administrative processes and saving time, such as opening a bank account, updating legal or compliance records with partners (KYC), or responding to a call for tenders;
• Simplifying online access to services (websites, applications, data spaces, etc.) by eliminating usernames and passwords and managing delegations, mandates, and powers of attorney;
• Developing new use cases and services linked to the Digital Product Passport (DPP), including access to services associated with connected objects;
• Enhancing customer journeys by reducing friction and drop-off rates during B2B and B2C onboarding, while combating fraud and identity theft.

4. European projects and key stakeholders

To bring this vision to life, several European projects play a driving role. Among them:

Aptitude

Aptitude (Advanced Project for Trusted Identity Technologies and Unified Digital Ecosystem) is a European alliance of public institutions, experts, and private-sector innovators. Its 118 partners, coming from 11 EU Member States and Ukraine, work together to shape the future of digital identity.

The project aims to make digital identity secure, user-friendly, and human-centric, focusing on several key use cases:

• Digital Travel Credentials: a secure digital version of the passport, enabling faster and smoother border checks.
• Tickets and Check-in: a single, trusted solution for booking and check-in, with built-in discounts based on user profiles (groups, students, etc.).
• Mobile Vehicle Registration Certificate: a digital vehicle registration that can be instantly shared with third parties across Europe, such as garages and law enforcement authorities.
• Payments and Banking: safer and simpler online transactions, fully aligned with European standards.

These scenarios aim to demonstrate the interoperability of solutions, compliance with European standards, simplicity of user journeys, and scalability.

We Build Consortium

The We Build Consortium is a European collaboration bringing together public authorities, private companies, academic institutions, and technology providers to design, implement, and test the European Business Wallet across a range of use cases:

• Legal and regulatory compliance: within commercial relationships (KYC, KYS), creation of foreign subsidiaries, payment of taxes and duties, and management of mandates and powers of attorney;
• Supply chain: management of authentication and access in transport, data spaces, and e-invoicing;
• Banking and payments: interfaces with both citizens and businesses.

These projects bring together a broad ecosystem of European companies, including Orange via Orange Business and Orange Innovation, working towards a robust, secure and innovative digital ecosystem in Europe.

The upcoming rollout of the European Digital Identity Wallet and the European Business Wallet marks a decisive milestone in the construction of an integrated, secure, and trusted European digital space.

The convergence of these efforts, supported by ambitious European projects, paves the way for a new era in which citizens will benefit from a single, secure, and fully controlled digital identity, while businesses will be equipped with powerful tools to manage their data and credentials with confidence.