Secure Data Exchange with OOTS and EU Digital Wallets: A Revolution

Published Date : 7/11/2025 

Discover how the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) is poised to revolutionize the EU Digital Identity Wallet by streamlining secure data exchanges and reducing administrative burdens across EU member states. Learn about the collaboration between Austria, the Netherlands, and the EU to enhance digital identity solutions. 

The European Union’s Digital Identity Wallet initiative is gaining momentum as a groundbreaking solution for secure data exchanges between citizens and businesses across member states. However, the project faces a critical challenge: building a robust infrastructure that can support seamless cross-border interactions without duplicating existing systems. Enter the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS), a framework already proven at the national level, which could serve as the backbone for the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet. This synergy between OOTS and EUDI Wallets has sparked discussions among officials, including those from Austria and the Netherlands, who see immense potential in leveraging OOTS for a more efficient digital identity ecosystem. n nAt the sixth OOTS Projectathon in Brussels, Austria’s Secure Information Technology Center Director, Herbert Leitold, and Federal Chancellery Program Manager Felix Plank highlighted the benefits of integrating OOTS with the EUDI Wallet. The OOTS infrastructure, which went live in December 2023, was designed to streamline administrative processes and reduce the complexity of cross-border interactions. By utilizing OOTS, the EUDI Wallet could inherit its secure data exchange capabilities, significantly lowering costs and accelerating development timelines. This partnership aligns with the EU’s broader goals of fostering digital sovereignty and interoperability across member states. n nOne of the key features of OOTS that could enhance the EUDI Wallet is the 'preview space.' While the EUDI Wallet operates on the principle of users pre-selecting and storing credentials, the preview space allows users to discover and save necessary documents during a transaction. For example, a citizen might see a diploma or certificate during a process and use a simple button to store it in their wallet for future use. This feature, as Leitold explained, could simplify the user experience and make the EUDI Wallet more intuitive for everyday citizens. n nAustria has proposed an 'eDelivery network' as a data-agnostic transport layer for authoritative data sharing, governed by a trust framework. This concept aims to create a standardized system for transmitting sensitive information securely, ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The Dutch delegation has also expressed interest in similar discussions, indicating a growing consensus among EU nations on the importance of interoperable digital identity solutions. The OOTS & EUDI Wallet Synergies and Interoperability Contact Group is now planning further pilots to explore these possibilities in greater detail. n nThe EU Digital Identity Wallet is part of a larger effort to modernize digital services across the bloc. Recent implementing acts released in June 2025 have sparked renewed interest in the project, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for flexibility and user-centric design. By integrating OOTS, the EUDI Wallet could address many of the challenges faced by national systems, such as fragmented data storage and inefficient verification processes. This collaboration not only benefits governments but also empowers citizens by giving them greater control over their digital identities. n nThe Austrian delegation’s work with OOTS highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in the digital age. As more countries adopt similar frameworks, the EUDI Wallet could become a universal tool for secure data exchange, reducing the need for repeated document verification. This would be a game-changer for businesses and individuals alike, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, where seamless data sharing is critical. By learning from OOTS, the EUDI Wallet could set a new standard for digital identity solutions in the EU. n nThe success of this initiative depends on continued collaboration between member states, technology experts, and policymakers. OOTS’s proven track record in Austria provides a solid foundation, but challenges remain, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing technical complexities. The upcoming pilots and demonstrations will be crucial in testing these solutions and identifying areas for improvement. As the EU moves closer to a unified digital identity framework, the role of OOTS in this transformation cannot be overstated. n nIn conclusion, the integration of OOTS with the EUDI Wallet represents a significant step forward in the quest for secure, efficient, and user-friendly digital identity solutions. By leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering international cooperation, the EU is well-positioned to lead the way in digital innovation. As the project evolves, it will be essential to maintain a focus on transparency, security, and accessibility to ensure that all citizens benefit from this transformative technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: How does OOTS enhance the EU Digital Identity Wallet?

A: OOTS provides a proven infrastructure for secure data exchanges, reducing costs and accelerating the development of the EUDI Wallet. Its features, like the 'preview space,' allow users to discover and save credentials during transactions, improving the overall user experience.

Q: What is the 'preview space' in OOTS, and how does it benefit users?

A: The 'preview space' is a feature that lets users view and save documents or credentials during a transaction. For example, a citizen could see a diploma and store it in their EUDI Wallet for future use, making the process more intuitive and efficient.

Q: What role do Austria and the Netherlands play in this initiative?

A: Austria and the Netherlands are actively exploring synergies between OOTS and the EUDI Wallet. Austria has proposed an 'eDelivery network' for secure data sharing, while the Netherlands is engaged in similar discussions, highlighting cross-border collaboration.

Q: What are the key challenges in implementing the EUDI Wallet?

A: Challenges include ensuring data privacy, addressing technical complexities, and creating a standardized framework for cross-border interactions. Pilots and demonstrations will be critical in testing solutions and refining the system.

Q: How will the EUDI Wallet benefit citizens and businesses?

A: The EUDI Wallet will simplify secure data exchanges, reducing the need for repeated document verification. This will save time for individuals and businesses, particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance, where seamless access to information is essential. 

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