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FAQ

1. EUDI-Wallet(s)

1.1 What is/are the EUDI Wallet(s)?

The European Digital Identity Wallet(s) (EUDI Wallet(s)) enable(s) citizens and organizations to securely identify themselves to administrations and companies in the European Union (EU). In addition to an identity proof, EUDI Wallets can be used to store and manage a variety of other digital proofs, such as dirver’s licenses, educational and health certificates, registration certificates or travel documents. If required, these documents can be used for authentication or for presentation to third parties such as authorities, banks, etc. Citizens will also be able to use EUDI Wallets to execute qualified electronic signatures. Every EU member state is obliged to provide its citizens with at least one EUDI Wallet free of charge by 2027. An important aspect of this is interoperability, which means that citizens can also use their German EUDI Wallet in other EU countries. This will make it easier to live, work or study in other EU countries, as digital proof and documents will be accepted everywhere in the EU.

1.2. What are the advantages of EUDI Wallets?

EUDI Wallets offer several advantages for citizens:

  • Central administration: All important documents and certificates are stored digitally in one place.
  • Data sovereignty: The users decide which information is passed on to third parties. This way, only the personal data necessary for the respective service provider is disclosed, which significantly minimizes the risk of falsified personality profiles being created.
  • Increased data sovereignty: The wallet strengthens data protection and privacy, as users retain control over their data and can decide which data to disclose in each specific use case.
  • Convenience: The wallets will be available on all common smartphones. Administrative procedures or signing contracts are available regardless of time and place.
  • Available online and offline: Identity proofs stored in the wallet can also be used without an internet connection. This eliminates the need to carry physical documents such as ID cards or driver’s licenses.
  • EU-wide recognition: The wallets can be used in all EU countries. This means that citizens can also use their German EUDI Wallet in other EU countries. This makes it easier to live, work or study in other EU countries, as digital proof and documents are accepted everywhere in the EU.
1.3. In which areas of application can the EUDI Wallet(s) be used?

The EUDI Wallet can be used in many everyday situations:

  • Digital public/eGovernment services: e.g. applying for documents related to travel and submitting tax documents.
  • Electronic signatures: Contracts and official documents can be signed electronically and legally secure.
  • Private services: e.g. opening a bank account, making online payments, registering SIM cards or presenting driver’s licenses, certificates, health data and other official documents when applying for a job, visiting a doctor, concluding contracts or providing proof of insurance. Everywhere, where identification is required.

Further information on possible future use cases can be found on the website of the European Commission.

1.4. Will using an EUDI Wallet be mandatory?

No, EUDI Wallets will be used on a voluntary basis. In Germany, citizens still have the option to use administrative procedures in person or use their ID card (with online ID function = eID - electronic identification) and the BundID. These identification methods are simultaneously available to the EUDI Wallet to guarantee individual freedom of choice.

1.5. How is the security of personal data guaranteed?

Data security in the EUDI Wallet is ensured by various measures:

  • Encryption and multi-factor authentication: Advanced encryption techniques and multi-level authentication ensure that only authorized persons can access the wallet.
  • Data minimization: Users control what information they share. Functions such as selective disclosure or zero-knowledge proofs (proofs without disclosing unnecessary data) make it possible to share only necessary data.
  • No tracking or profiling: EUDI Wallets prevent tracking or creation of user profiles.
  • Transparency and control: Users can use a data protection dashboard (an interface for managing and controlling shared data) to see what data has been shared and submit deletion requests at any time.
  • Legal compliance: The wallet complies with European data protection regulations and is regularly audited.
1.6. Who will provide the EUDI Wallet(s)?

According to the amended eIDAS Regulation (EU Regulation on Digital Identification and Trust Services - eIDAS 2.0), all EU member states are obliged to provide EUDI Wallets or to certify wallets from non-governmental providers. In Germany, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) will offer a government-provided EUDI Wallet by 2027 (see press release). Non-governmental providers are free to develop their own wallets that meet EU requirements and the German certification scheme that is currently being developed. Each wallet is checked and must be certified before it can be used. This gives citizens the opportunity to choose their favored wallet from a range of tested and secure providers.

1.7. When will the government-provided EUDI Wallet be available in Germany?

The government-provided EUDI Wallet is expected to be available as an app for smartphones from the beginning of 2027. The exact date depends on various factors, such as technical developments and regulatory requirements.

1.8. In which areas of application can the EUDI Wallet(s) be used?

Holders of an ID card, an eID card and the eAT already have a ready-to-use online ID card. The electronic ID card enables the use of the German EUDI Wallet after a single data transfer scan using the NFC interface in the smartphone. Thanks to the versatile functions of the EUDI Wallet, it offers more than identification via smartphone. The BundID, on the other hand, is a central user account for citizens that can be used for eGovernment services. Both the online ID card and the EUDI Wallet will enable the creation of a BundID account, giving citizens access to eGovernment services with high security requirements.

1.9. What is the EUDI Wallet ecosystem?

The EUDI Wallet ecosystem consists of various players who are responsible for the provision and use of the wallet:

  • Users: Citizens use the EUDI Wallet to digitally verify their identity, manage a variety of credentials, use digital services and execute qualified electronic signatures.
  • Wallet providers: Governmental and non-governmental organizations that provide EUDI Wallets.
  • Providers of qualified and non-qualified verifications: Organizations that provide verified user credentials. This includes, for example, age details, registration certificates or proof of education.
  • Trust service providers: Providers that, for example, issue electronic signatures and time stamps which confirm the authenticity and immutability of documents.
  • Service providers: Companies and institutions that use the EUDI Wallet to verify the identity of users, e.g. when registering SIM cards, opening bank accounts or verifying travel documents.
  • Regulatory authorities: Institutions that ensure that EUDI Wallets comply with legal requirements and adhere to security standards. In Germany, this is the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI).
  • Technical infrastructure: The technical systems and platforms that ensure the secure operation and interoperability of wallets.

2. Architecture & Consultation Process

2.1. What is the architecture & consultation process?

The architecture & consultation process was launched to develop the ecosystem for a secure, user-friendly and data protection-compliant digital identity solution - the EUDI Wallet - for Germany. The process aims to create a prototype eIDAS infrastructure and to develop a new concept for implementing the amended eIDAS Regulation (electronic Identification, Authentication and trust Services). This regulation defines uniform standards for electronic identification and authentication in the EU and is intended to enable the seamless use of digital identities across national borders. The main focus of the process is the goal of enabling the broadest possible public participation in the development of the EUDI Wallet ecosystem. This process is supported by regular participation formats such as workshops, consultations and an innovation competition in which all interested parties can actively participate.

2.2. What does the architecture and consultation process mean?

The architecture and consultation process consists of two central components that are closely linked: Architecture and Consultation.

Architecture: The technical planning and design of the EUDI Wallet are the focus of the architectural work. Important aspects are:

  • Technical structure: The wallet must be compatible with existing systems such as the German eID system and enable secure digital identification.
  • Security mechanisms: Robust encryption technologies and authentication methods ensure that users' identity data is protected and transmitted securely.
  • Iterative development: The architecture is developed in stages and continuously adapted through feedback and tests in order to optimize data protection and user-friendliness.

Consultation: The involvement of the public and various interest groups is essential to ensure that the EUDI Wallet meets the needs and requirements of users. Various consultation formats are used for this purpose:

  • Workshops and open online consultations: Citizens and experts can give feedback on safety, functionality and usability and take part in an exchange on an equal footing to prepare decisions.
  • Ecosystem Governance and Operating Models working group: The aim is to develop and discuss ideas on national framework conditions for the EUDI Wallet ecosystem.
  • Interviews: Representatives of interest groups have the opportunity to address expectations, concerns and ideas from society regarding the use of EUDI Wallets in qualitative interviews.
  • Transparent development process: Comments and suggestions can be submitted at any time via platforms such as OpenCoDE. This creates trust and ensures that different perspectives are taken into account.
  • Integration of feedback: The feedback from the consultations flows directly into the technical architecture and influences the further development of the wallet.

This combination of technical planning and public consultation will ensure that the EUDI Wallet meets the highest security standards as well as being user-friendly and inclusive.

2.3 Who are the key players in the process?

The architecture and consultation process for the development of the EUDI Wallet is supported by various stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, the private sector as well as private individuals. These actors are working together to create a secure, privacy-compliant and user-friendly wallet.

State institutions:

  • Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI): Leads the process and ensures that the EUDI Wallet meets the requirements of the eIDAS 2.0 Regulation.

  • Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND): Supports the technical development of the government-provided EUDI Wallet, is responsible for the innovation competition Funke "EUDI Wallet Prototypes" and develops the EUDI Wallet ecosystem as part of the consultation process.

  • Federal Office for Information Security (BSI): Defines the security standards and certifies both state and non-state wallets.

  • Bundesdruckerei: Contributes expertise in digital identification.

  • The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI): Monitors compliance with data protection guidelines.

Civil society actors:

  • Data protection organizations, associations and research institutes: Ensure that the process meets the requirements for data protection and digital participation and contribute important background knowledge on the needs and requirements of specific target groups and future wallet users, which are essential for the development of the EUDI Wallet.

Privat sector:

  • Technology companies and start-ups: Develop user-friendly applications for EUDI Wallets and innovative technical solutions for the secure use and management of digital identities.

Private individuals:

  • Citizens play a central role in the consultation process. They can actively contribute via workshops, open online consultations and the OpenCoDE platform. This direct involvement is essential to ensure that the EUDI Wallet meets the needs of users and is widely accepted.

This collaboration between institutions, companies and the public is developing a holistic solution that is both safe and user-friendly.

2.4 How does the process work and how can interested parties participate?

The architecture and consultation process for the development of the EUDI Wallet follows a clearly structured sequence, ranging from technical development to public participation. The process ensures that various stakeholders, including citizens, businesses and experts, are involved in all development phases.

Components of the process:

  • Submission of position papers: The process began in June 2023 with a call for stakeholders to submit position papers. Over 60 groups submitted their perspectives and proposals for the development of the EUDI Wallet. These papers form the basis for the first architecture version.

  • Workshops and public consultations: Workshops and other public consultation formats are held regularly where interested parties can contribute their ideas and suggestions. Important topics such as security, user-friendliness and use cases for the EUDI Wallet are discussed here. One example is the consultation held on October 9, 2024 with over 120 participants.

  • SPRIND innovation competition "Funke EUDI Wallet Prototypes": Since April 2024, selected teams have been working on prototypes as part of the SPRIND innovation competition to solve technical challenges in the development of the EUDI Wallet. The results will be incorporated into the further development of the architecture. The competition runs until mid-2025.

  • Iterative architecture development: The technical architecture of the EUDI Wallet is developed in iterative steps. Each version is based on the feedback from the consultations and the results of the prototype developments. Particular focus is placed on security standards, data protection and user-friendliness. All progress is published transparently on the OpenCoDE platform.

Participation formats: There are several ways to actively participate in the process:

  • Workshops and consultations: Interested parties can register for regular workshops and contribute their opinions and ideas.

  • OpenCoDE platform: This platform makes it possible to submit comments and suggestions on the architecture at any time and documents the progress of the process.

  • Interviews: Representatives of interest groups have the opportunity to address expectations, concerns and ideas from society regarding the use of EUDI Wallets in qualitative interviews.

  • Public online consultations: Citizens can ask questions and give feedback in order to participate in further development.

  • Working groups: Experts can participate in special working groups such as the "Ecosystem Governance and Operating Models" (EGOM) and help shape the wallet ecosystem.

All formats ensure that the process remains transparent and that perspectives of all relevant stakeholders are taken into account. Except of the interviews, all participation formats are recorded and subsequently made available on OpenCoDE by the consultation team

2.5 What progress has been made in the architecture concept and what results have been achieved so far?

The architecture concept for the development of the EUDI Wallet is being developed iteratively in several versions and continuously adapted through feedback and prototype tests. The process aims to create a user-friendly, secure and data protection-compliant infrastructure that meets the requirements of the eIDAS 2.0 regulation.

Previous versions of the architecture concept:

Version 1 (November 2023): This version laid the foundation for the EUDI Wallet and focused on analyzing technical options for the secure management of personal identification data (PID). The focus was on:

  • Security mechanisms: Initial approaches to encryption and secure transmission of identity data.
  • Data protection: Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was already considered at this early stage.
  • Ease of use: Initial considerations regarding the user interface and user interactions

Version 2.0 (March 2024): This version was built on the findings from version 1 and deepened the technical and data protection requirements. New elements included:

  • Enhanced data protection: Refined mechanisms to protect user data.
  • Prototype development: The foundations were laid for the development of prototypes to carry out initial tests and safety assessments.
  • Detailed technical description: Precise specifications on the stored personal data (PID) and its management.

Versions 2.1 to 2.3 (July - August 2024): These versions focused on technical refinements and improving the user experience (UX):

  • New cryptographic standards: Improved encryption technologies and security measures
  • User-friendliness: Optimization of the user interface and workflows to make the wallet simpler and more intuitive.
  • Backup and restore mechanisms: Introduction of functions that enable users to restore their data securely.
  • Data protection: Further refinements to ensure compliance with data protection guidelines and user consent.
2.6 What is the SPRIND innovation competition "Funke EUDI Wallet Prototypes"?

The SPRIND innovation competition "Funke EUDI Wallet Prototypes" is an essential part of the EUDI Wallet development process in Germany. The competition was launched by the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) to promote innovative solutions for the technical implementation of the wallet.

Objectives of the competition:

  • Prototype development: The participating teams are working on the development of secure and user-friendly prototypes that meet the requirements of the EUDI Wallets. This also includes high standards in data protection and interoperability.
  • Promoting innovation: The competition aims to stimulate innovation through the participation of start-ups, research teams and technology companies.
  • Realistic testing: The prototypes developed are tested in real-life applications to ensure that they can be used in everyday life without any problems.

Procedure of the competition:

The competition is divided into three stages:

  • Stage 1 (May - August 2024): Development of a wallet solution for secure digital identification.
  • Stage 2 (September - November 2024): Integration of additional documents, such as driver's licenses, into the wallet.
  • Stage 3 (December 2024 - May 2025): Expansion of the wallet prototypes to include a login function that enables users to log in to websites and apps using a pseudonym.
2.7 What is the LSP potential and what role does it play in the EUDI Wallet process?

The LSP Potential (Large Scale Pilots Potential) is a Europe-wide pilot project initiated by the EU Commission to test the interoperability and added value of EUDI Wallets in various real-life use cases.

Objectives of the LSPs:

  • Interoperability: The LSPs check how well the EUDI Wallet works in different EU Member States and whether it can be seamlessly integrated into existing digital infrastructures.
  • User acceptance: The pilots serve to evaluate the acceptance of the wallet by citizens and organizations and to determine whether the security and user requirements are met.
  • Use cases: The LSPs are testing the use of the wallet in several use cases, including
    • Digital identification (e.g. for border crossings)
    • Access to public services
    • Electronic signatures and payments

Link to the SPRIND innovation competition:

The prototypes developed in the SPRIND innovation competition are directly integrated into the LSP Potential projects. This connection makes it possible to test the wallet prototypes in real tests at European level during the development phase. As a result, the LSPs provide valuable feedback for the further development of the EUDI Wallet and support its integration into the European digital ecosystem. The results of the LSPs are crucial for the final design of the EUDI Wallet, as they show how well the wallet works in different countries and application contexts.

2.8 When will the architecture & consultation process be completed?

The architecture & consultation process should be completed by the end of 2025 with the publication of the final and complete architecture concept. The practical implementation of the government-provided EUDI Wallet for Germany has already begun. The wallet will be available to all citizens free of charge and for voluntary use from 2027.

Last update: December 19, 2024