Brussels, 03/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The electronic identification signature is becoming more widespread, thanks to the European regulation agreed by the European Council and Parliament and approved by member state ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) on 28 February.
The legislative review aims to adapt the rules on electronic signatures in light of the current digital environment and take into account the techniques involved in using electronic address buffers and registered items. It will, for example, be easier to use electronic identity cards for accessing public services, such as medical or tax facilities in other Union countries, without encroaching on one's private life or data protection.
The inter-institutional agreement includes a framework for using electronic identification and dedicated services in the e-commerce field. Mutual recognition of national systems will become compulsory as from the middle of 2018 and member states will be able to introduce the conditions for promoting mutual recognition from the middle of next year. This mutual recognition will be overseen by the European Commission. States will choose what systems they wish to introduce and notify the Commission accordingly. Minimum requirements will be set out in an effort to enhance transparency and the respective responsibilities of service providers. Provisions on security and technological neutrality were also negotiated. The regulation also includes measures to promote standardisation.
The European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, Neelie-Kroes, said that the agreement would help to “boost trust and convenience in cross-border and cross-sector electronic transactions”. Her counterpart, Michel Barnier, responsible for the internal market, echoed her sentiments and asserted that the new rules would help citizens, consumers, businesses and administrative bodies to develop their online activities.
The Secretary General of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAMBRES), Arnaldo Abruzzini, said that the new rules would help tackle problems faced by European companies efficiently and in a balanced way. Although 1 billion electronic signatures are already being used on a daily basis in Europe, EUROCHAMBRES expects this figure to increase exponentially, with these provisions helping to provide a new catalyst in this respect.
The agreement will be formally adopted by the European Parliament during the April plenary session. (MD)