We sat down with Viky Manaila (Trust Services Director at Intesi Group) and Vedran Lalic (Digital Identity Consultant at the World Bank) to break down a massive topic:
By 2026, eIDAS 2.0 will change how digital identity works in Europe.
The shift to verifiable credentials and digital wallets isn’t optional, it’s happening.
Governments, businesses, and institutions that adapt early will gain a competitive advantage. Those who don’t? They’ll be scrambling to keep up.
So, what should you be doing right now to get ahead? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Assess Your Compliance Readiness
You can’t fix what you don’t measure. Start by answering these questions:
- Are you aware of new penalties under eIDAS 2.0? (Fines go up to €5 million.)
- Can you support digital wallets and verifiable credentials today? If not, what needs to change?
- Are you working with a Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) to ensure compliance with digital identity regulations?
- Does your organization follow privacy-by-design principles to ensure no unnecessary data exposure?
Run an internal audit. Identify the gaps. The sooner you do this, the easier compliance will be when the deadline hits.
Step 2: Invest in Digital Identity Infrastructure
The future of authentication isn’t usernames and passwords, it’s secure, reusable digital identities.
Here’s how you prepare:
- Upgrade your tech stack: Support verifiable credentials and authentication methods that comply with eIDAS 2.0.
- Integrate digital wallets: Whether you build your own or support third-party wallets, ensure seamless interactions for users across borders.
- Enhance authentication methods: Move beyond passwords by adopting secure, multi-factor authentication and verifiable credential-based logins.
- Ensure interoperability: Your systems should be compatible with eIDAS 2.0 standards, enabling seamless cross-border identity verification.
- Strengthen security and compliance measures: Implement zero-knowledge proof methods, strong encryption, and regular security audits to align with new regulations.
Step 3: Educate & Prepare Your Team
A new system is only as strong as the people using it. Make sure your organization is ready by:
- Training teams on how digital identity wallets work and how to verify credentials securely.
- Educating customers and partners on why this transition is happening and how it benefits them.
- Partnering with industry groups, Qualified Trust Service Providers (QTSPs), and regulatory bodies to stay ahead of evolving eIDAS 2.0 developments.
- Launching internal and external awareness campaigns to drive adoption and minimize resistance to change.
Bottom line: eIDAS 2.0 isn’t just a regulation, it’s a massive shift in how trust and identity work online.
Smart businesses aren’t waiting until 2026. They’re making moves today.
