SPMS actively collaborated in the European POTENTIAL initiative, which now comes to an end after two years of dedicated work on the creation and testing of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). This initiative involved 19 countries and 161 partners, including public and private entities, such as digital wallet providers, credential issuers, and service providers, with the aim of preparing the European ecosystem for the future implementation of this solution. The initiative involved ARTE – the Agency for Technological Reform of the State, I.P., as a partner and national contact point, responsible for coordinating Portugal’s participation.
The EUDI Wallet will be an essential tool for all European citizens, enabling them to identify themselves and share digital credentials in a secure, reliable, and interoperable manner across the European Union (EU). By 2026, Member States will be required to make the European Digital Identity Wallet available, while by the end of 2027, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) will be obliged to recognise it, representing one of the greatest challenges for the adoption of this solution.
During the POTENTIAL initiative, pioneering tests were carried out across several use cases, with particular emphasis on the health sector. Notable examples include the presentation of identification credentials in pharmacies, both in proximity and remotely, and the development of the Health ID, a European credential intended to validate citizens’ identity when accessing healthcare services.
The project demonstrated the feasibility of using digital credentials in cross-border scenarios, reinforcing security, privacy, and the citizen experience. It also highlighted the role of the Architecture and Reference Framework (ARF), which is continuously evolving, as a central element to ensure interoperability between Member States.
The future of the EUDI Wallet now enters a new phase of consolidation, which includes the development of additional use cases, the definition of clear interoperability rules, and preparation for the enforcement of regulatory deadlines. SPMS will continue to monitor and collaborate in this process, ensuring that Portugal is aligned with European objectives and that Portuguese citizens can benefit from the advantages of this digital wallet in their daily lives.
Disclaimer:
The POTENTIAL action is co-funded by the European Union, DIGITAL Europe Program (2021-2027), under Grant Agreement Nr.º 101102655. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
