Trust is the basis for innovation and collaborative action. In the digital world, cybersecurity and technologies that enable the build-up of trust are important for creating the underlying conditions in which the digital economy and society can securely develop and deliver value.
Digital trust services and electronic identity services help speed up social and business interactions and are key building blocks for secure and efficient online transactions. Trust and eID services streamline processes and reduce the reliance on paper, protect data, lower operational costs and enable the secure use of digital services that further support the growth of the digital economy. Trust and eID services are also essential for enabling cross-border transactions and operations, helping to build trust and economic ties between countries.
The adoption of eID and trust services is a major step forward for digital transformation. When countries adopt eID and trust services, citizens and businesses can benefit from a more secure and efficient digital environment. This can lead to economic growth, as well as improved government services and citizen participation.
Many public services are becoming available online. When interacting with such digital services, citizens and people in governments and businesses need to show they’re authentic users and be able to sign or seal documents electronically, submit electronic evidence from the authorities, or make online payments. Use of such services across borders requires interoperability on a technical level as well as a common understanding of the basic related rules and requirements. To achieve cross-border interoperability, mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) are essential.
To improve Eastern partner countries’ readiness to provide cross-border eServices and address the need for MRAs, EU4Digital provides assistance in the following ways:
- Establishing a common eTrust framework that identifies fundamental principles, organisational and technical barriers and how to overcome them, the availability of digital enablers, and enables eServices access for foreigners;
- Piloting cross-border eSignature and eID services;
- Defining common data governance and interoperability guidelines;
- Developing country-specific action plans for cross-border mutual recognition in accordance with best practices.
These activities are essential to the development of a secure and trusted digital environment in the Eastern partner countries.
The EU4Digital eID and eTrust framework for Eastern partner countries provides a common foundation for the establishment of mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) regarding cross-border eID and trust services. The framework will set common principles, processes and components for harmonised and mutually recognised eID and trust services between countries in the Eastern Partnership.
EU4Digital will assist Eastern partner countries to pilot interoperable cross-border electronic identification and authentication based on common principles and formats. These pilots will test the ability of eID-holders to access electronic services in another country. They will also allow Eastern partner countries to assess the readiness of their national infrastructure for eID, providing the opportunity to enhance interoperability and accessibility, as well as to identify potential breakthrough areas for eID and electronic service adoption and take up. The pilot activities will also promote multi-lateral relations and encourage partner countries to conform with agreed-upon standards and key principles.
EU4Digital is designing a concept for a data governance strategy and guidelines in line with EU and global practices. EU4Digital will also provide recommendations for the Eastern partner countries, based on their state of play, to introduce a strategic and unified data governance approach. Such a data governance framework will help Eastern partner countries to improve decision-making, enhance innovation and build trust with citizens and businesses.