European Union citizens are expected to be able to access official documents from their smartphones through the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) from 2027, marking a significant step in the bloc’s plans to simplify digital services across member states.

As reported by 20 Minutos, EU countries have until the end of 2026 to ensure their systems are ready for citizens to begin adding documents to the digital wallet ahead of its wider rollout.

The voluntary system is designed to allow users to securely store documents such as identity cards, driving licences and university diplomas, while enabling their digital identity to be recognised across all EU member states.

Greater control over personal data

One of the key features of the EUDI Wallet is that users will be able to decide what information they share, with whom and for what purpose, Executive Digest reports.

Instead of submitting a full copy of an identity document, citizens will be able to provide only the information required for a specific transaction. For example, a business could verify that a customer is over 18 without accessing their full name, address or other personal details.

According to Funditec Research, the system could also reduce the number of copies of personal documents stored on company and government servers, limiting unnecessary exposure of sensitive information.

Gonzalo Álvarez Marañón, director of Funditec Research, said the digital wallet could become an important tool in reducing the widespread storage of identity documents beyond citizens’ control. Restricting each transaction to only the necessary information could also help minimise the amount of personal data shared online.

Banking, healthcare and public services

The wallet is expected to make a range of everyday administrative tasks faster and simpler across the European Union.

20 Minutos also stated that it could be used to open bank accounts, access healthcare services, interact with public authorities, present academic qualifications and electronically sign official documents. The system is also intended to replace many processes that currently require users to photograph, scan or upload physical documents.

Because the wallet will operate across all EU member states, documents issued in one country should be recognised throughout the bloc, making cross-border administrative procedures more straightforward.

Privacy concerns remain

Despite the potential benefits, experts have also highlighted several challenges ahead of the rollout.

Álvarez Marañón warned that making identity verification easier could encourage more organisations to request personal identification for services that currently do not require it, increasing the overall level of monitoring of citizens.

Funditec Research has also stressed the importance of robust cybersecurity, regular audits of public systems and transparent data protection measures. Another challenge will be ensuring that citizens, particularly older people and those with limited digital skills, are able to use the technology confidently.

Implementation is also expected to vary across Europe. Funditec Research believes countries such as Estonia, Germany and the Nordic nations are likely to lead adoption because of their advanced digital infrastructure, while other member states may take longer to fully implement the system.