definition of terms

The EUDI Wallet (European Digital Identity Wallet) is the EU's new digital wallet. It is designed to enable all EU citizens to identify themselves online with documents such as ID cards, proof of age, educational qualifications, or professional licenses. The wallet is based on standardized, verifiable evidence and is designed to be data-efficient. Companies must accept the wallet in certain processes (e.g., opening an account, applying for a job, concluding a contract) by 2026 at the latest.

It is a core component of the revised eIDAS Regulation (eIDAS 2.0), which came into force in 2024.

The goal: a uniform, trustworthy standard for digital identities across the EU.

How does the EUDI Wallet work?

Technically, the wallet is based on verifiable credentials, i.e., digitally signed, verifiable evidence, and the principle of self-sovereign identity (SSI). Users retain control over their data at all times and decide for themselves what information they share and with whom.

 

Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are structured, tamper-proof credentials that can be issued and verified digitally.

 

Key features:

Trustworthy: Digital certificates are issued by official bodies or certified institutions.

Data economy: Only necessary information is shared (e.g., "over 18" instead of full date of birth).

Interoperable: Can be used throughout the EU, even across national borders

 

Practical example:

A candidate wants to apply for a job at a company. Instead of sending PDF certificates by email, she shares a validated digital degree certificate signed by the university via the wallet. The company can verify the certificate directly without media discontinuity or manual checks.

 

For Identity & Access Management (IAM), this means:

      • Interfaces: Can the IAM system integrate wallets and verifiable credentials?
      • Processes: How do I integrate verification or age checks into my workflows?
      • Compliance: How do I document consent and data usage in a legally compliant manner?
      • Architecture: Is my IAM prepared for new trust frameworks and standards?

     

Advantages of the EUDI Wallet

Increased data sovereignty for users

Faster, trustworthy identity checks

Fewer media breaks and manual verification processes

Future-proof digital identity management

 

Typical application scenarios

  • Digital applications & HR processes
  • Customer portals with access control
  • Financial services & age verification
  • Government services & citizen access

Conclusion:

In the coming years, the EUDI wallet will also become an integral part of many digital processes outside of government agencies. Anyone planning or modernizing IAM structures today should consider wallet functionalities at an early stage. After all, the better a system is prepared, the easier it will be to integrate later on.

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