European Commission Proposes Electronic Identification Regulation

Electronic Signatures

On June 4, the European Commission adopted a proposed regulation that would create a framework for secure cross-border electronic transactions in Europe. The regulation seeks to facilitate European electronic commerce by requiring mutual recognition of national electronic identification systems, which would allow individuals and businesses to use their national electronic identification schemes to access public services in other EU countries. For example, the regulation would remove technical and legal barriers in order to make it easier for a company in one country to bid on public sector contracts elsewhere within the EU. The regulation does not require action by member states to develop electronic identity cards and will not require an EU-wide electronic identification or database.  Under the European Union’s ordinary legislative procedure, the regulation now must be adopted by the European Parliament and Council.