Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Another crucial step towards creating a tangible and useful European identity was announced Thursday in Brussels - the European Digital Identity Wallet (EDIW) - which will enable all EU citizens to access national administrations and special services in all 27 member states.
The announcement was made by members of the Socialist and Democratic Party bloc, following a positive vote in the relevant committee within the European Parliament
In a statement issued in Brussels, members of the bloc said, "Initially introduced by the European Union Commission in 2021, we have worked to ensure a high level of cybersecurity and data protection. EDIW will promote the digitization of public services, completely changing the way public services are provided and accessed. Pending Formal approval is made during the March 13-16 plenary session, negotiations with the Council are expected to start in the second half of March.
Romana Jerkovic, a member of the European Parliament from the Socialists and Democrats bloc, said:
“With today's vote, we are one step closer to a European digital identity for all European citizens, valid and recognized everywhere in Europe by all 27 national public administrations! The new identity framework is a real game-changer and a huge leap forward for an inclusive digital Europe. Thanks to this proposal, citizens and companies will be able to use the European Digital Identity Wallet - which links their national identities with documents such as driver's license, university certificates, bank accounts and electronic health records to solve their concrete life situations.The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated digital transformation and has shown how important technologies can be Digital and digital tools in our daily lives.The wallet will become a trusted and comprehensive identity gateway that gives citizens complete control over their private data and gives them the freedom to decide what information they want to share, with whom, and when.
The ambition of this report is also not only to prepare for the digitization of public services in Member States but also to raise their quality and availability. Digital identity is no longer just a nice perk, but an engine for civic engagement and social empowerment and a tool for an inclusive digital Europe. The way forward towards active and participatory European citizenship.
     Her fellow MP in the same caucus, Dan Nika, said: “The European Digital Identity Wallet (EDIW) should be good for people, it should be secure. It should empower citizens and give them back control over the use and sharing of personal data. Our group has called for the highest levels of security and protection of privacy Data when it comes to portfolio design and digital identity framework.
Furthermore, the portfolio should help bridge the digital divide and promote social inclusion, participation and access to education and the labor market. “We believe this proposal is a unique opportunity to become a global leader in digital identity by creating a framework that places people and their rights at its center, supports solidarity and inclusion, guarantees freedom of choice online, promotes participation in the digital public space, increases safety, security and empowers individuals, And it enhances the sustainability of the digital future.”