EU Digital ID Forum in Zagreb: Gaining Traction for EUDI Wallet

Published Date : 9/30/2025 

The 11th Trust Services and eID Forum in Zagreb, organized by ENISA, focused on advancing the implementation of the European Digital Identity Wallet. Discussions included standardization, certification, and international collaboration. 

The 11th Trust Services and eID Forum, held in Zagreb, Croatia, saw a significant focus on the implementation of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI). Organized by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the forum brought together a wide range of experts to discuss the technical and organizational aspects of digital identity and credentials.

This year’s discussions centered on several key areas: the advancement of standardization and certification for the EUDI Wallet, the interplay between eIDASv2 and other legislative frameworks such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), EU Chips Act, and NIS2 Directive (NISD2), with a particular emphasis on privacy considerations.

The implementation of both newly introduced and previously defined Trust Services from technical and organizational standpoints was also on the agenda. There was a strong emphasis on the emergence of new collaboration needs among Trust Service providers and digital identity stakeholders, as well as the development of strategies to stimulate growth and adoption within the digital identity market.

Vicente Andreu Navarro, a policy officer at the European Commission, provided an overview of the Implementing Acts. These acts, which include validation services, qualified electronic seals and signatures, qualified timestamps, and e-delivery services, are crucial for the implementation of European digital identity regulation. Navarro highlighted the importance of seamless onboarding procedures, with standards and requirements laid down to provide wallet providers with the necessary framework for remote identity proofing.

Apostolos Apladas, Head of International Trust and Identity Services at DG DIGIT, spoke on the importance of trust, which is considered the cornerstone of a thriving digital society. Apladas elaborated on DIGIT’s central role in translating the policy vision into technical, interoperable solutions and operational reality. He provided an overview of the European Trust Services Infrastructure, the foundation of all the daily transactions the wallet enables, and the roadmap to achieve technical and operational interoperability. DIGIT is collaborating with the private market alongside EU member states to ensure the success of this initiative.

Interestingly, the forum also took a global view. Apladas highlighted the efforts to drop digital barriers between the EU and “Third Countries” such as India, Japan, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, Egypt, Uruguay, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, and other Central American countries. Pilots have been concluded with Ukraine, and one is about to conclude with Egypt. These collaborations are crucial for expanding the reach and impact of the EUDI Wallet.

Ulrich Latzenhofer, of ENISA ECATS, discussed the role of supervisors in balancing diversity and harmonization in European trust services. In a narrow sense, supervisors ensure that trust service providers meet legal requirements. In a broader sense, supervisors act as enablers for cross-border recognition of qualified Trust Service Providers (TSPs), which may not occur without harmonized supervision. Latzenhofer emphasized that supervision is the silent backbone of digital trust, and if it fails, trust is lost.

While the achievements of eIDAS 2 are significant in bridging electronic identification and trust services through the EUDI Wallet, challenges remain. These include the need to address national requirements for identity verification and the supervision of new types of qualified trust services, such as electronic attestation of attributes. Long-term, there is the transition to post-quantum cryptography.

All these topics and more were addressed in Zagreb, as the scale, diversity, and reach of the European Union’s project for digital identity become ever more apparent. With 15 months to go until the December 2026 deadline for offering a digital ID wallet to all EU citizens, regulatory shifts are driving market innovation and fostering great collaborations that will translate into more seamless travel and other benefits. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet)?

A: The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) is a digital tool designed to provide EU citizens with a secure and convenient way to manage and present their digital identities and credentials. It aims to facilitate seamless and secure online transactions and services across the EU.

Q: What are the key areas of discussion at the 11th Trust Services and eID Forum?

A: The key areas of discussion at the 11th Trust Services and eID Forum include the advancement of standardization and certification for the EUDI Wallet, the interplay between eIDASv2 and other legislative frameworks, and the implementation of Trust Services from technical and organizational standpoints.

Q: Who is Vicente Andreu Navarro and what did he discuss?

A: Vicente Andreu Navarro is a policy officer at the European Commission. He discussed the Implementing Acts for European digital identity regulation, emphasizing the importance of seamless onboarding procedures through remote identity proofing.

Q: What is the role of DIGIT in the EUDI Wallet project?

A: DIGIT (Directorate-General for Digital and Industry) plays a central role in translating the policy vision into technical, interoperable solutions and operational reality. They are collaborating with the private market and EU member states to ensure the success of the EUDI Wallet project.

Q: What challenges does the EUDI Wallet face and how are they being addressed?

A: Challenges include addressing national requirements for identity verification, supervising new types of qualified trust services, and transitioning to post-quantum cryptography. These challenges are being addressed through regulatory shifts, market innovation, and collaborative efforts. 

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