eTrust and Cross-border Digital Services

Through the EU4Digital Initiative, the EU supports the development of mutually recognised and secure electronic identification and digital trust services across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) and with the EU.

In support of these goals, the EU4Digital Facility Phase II will: 

• Assist in the mutual recognition of eID and trust services in the EaP region, in line with EU data protection legislation and the new European Digital Identity framework; 
• Pilot interoperable cross-border eID; 
• Assist in preparation of regional and country-specific data governance strategies. 

These build on the successes of the Trust and Security activities in Phase I, which include the eSignature pilots undertaken to test technical interoperability between countries. An assessment of cross-border eServices interoperability was conducted and a comparative analysis of eID maturity was developed as well as cybersecurity guidelines. An eGovernance framework was also created, focusing on the need to develop digital data interoperability as a means to better support public administration reforms. 

The Facility supports the priorities of the EU4Digital eTrust and Cross-border Digital Services network, which include: 

• Progress in the adoption of cross-border eID and mutual recognition of signatures in line with EU standards of data protection; 
• Piloted interoperable cross-border eID; 
• Next level of readiness in preparation of regional and country-specific data governance strategies. 

By developing eTrust and Cross-border services in the digital economy, making them safer, faster and cheaper, the EU support through EU4Digital facilitates electronic transactions for businesses and citizens, resulting in a stronger, more dynamic economy and increased consumer trust.