European Parliament has approved the introduction of a digital wallet despite criticism

The European Parliament’s Industry Committee has backed the eIDAS-2.0 project, which aims to introduce one single digital wallet across the EU. It is proposed that by 2026, all 27 EU countries will enable their citizens to use a digital wallet for identification in both online and offline spheres.

On the implementation of the digital wallet across the EU

The eIDAS 2.0 project has been a significant digital initiative in the EU, but it has met resistance from civil society organizations, security professionals, and data advocates. Despite the objections, the committee decided to support the compromise reached during the tripartite negotiation process between the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament.

The plans call for 80% of the EU population to use a „European Digital Wallet” by 2030.

However, despite the project’s approval, privacy advocates have concerns about its use in mass identification and tracking. In particular, supporters have raised concerns about Article 45 of the draft, which would require browsers to accept qualified certificates from individual EU member states.

Some experts and civic activists worry about the right to privacy, which could be taken away from citizens. For example, many Poles visit sites like polskiekasyna.biz, which gives free money with no deposit, and play at illegal casinos. With the advent of the digital wallet, all transactions will be traceable.

If the project is approved in February 2024 at the plenary session of the European Parliament, the introduction of the new digital wallet may not begin until spring 2024.