European Union mandates digital identity wallet for all citizens by 2026

The European Union has mandated that by the end of 2026, every member state must offer a digital identity wallet to its citizens. This wallet, called the EUDI Wallet, aims to simplify cross-border identity verification, reduce administrative friction, and give citizens more control over their personal data. It shifts from identification to verification, allowing users to prove attributes like age without disclosing unnecessary information. The initiative is seen as a way to boost the single market and establish a European model of digital trust, but its success hinges on widespread adoption and integration into everyday services.