For a reason the electronic signature in the European Union is the foundation for the digital exchange of documents and safe online transactions. Coherent EU rules guarantee that papers signed with a qualified electronic signature in 1 of the European Union countries have the same legal power in all associate States. Through uniform regulations specified as the eIDAS Regulation, this has become a essential tool in many areas, from business to public administration. Discover what an electronic signature is in the European Union.
In this article you will find:
- Electronic signature in the European Union: regulations
- Electronic signature in the European Union: eIDAS 2.0
- Summary
Electronic signature in the European Union: regulations
Qualified electronic signature is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature that enables electronic authentication of documents. Applicable in the case of business transactions, contracts, legal papers and any situations which require the validity of an electronic trading document. The electronic signature in the European Union has been regulated eIDAS regulation (electronic identification, Authentication and trust Services)which entered into force on July 1, 2016. It established a single legal framework for trust services and electronic recognition in all associate States. The intent of eIDAS is to facilitate global transactions utilizing digital identity and electronic authentication.
The advantages of the eIDAS Regulation include:
- greater security – ensuring higher standards of data protection and user identity,
- Liquidity of electronic transactions – improving electronic processes, enabling them to be carried out faster and more efficiently,
- cross-border – to let the free conduct of electronic transactions between the countries of the European Union while maintaining uniform standards.
eIDAS: electronic signatures and another trust services
eIDAS introduces 3 signature levels: ordinary, advanced and qualified signature. The second requires a qualified trust service supplier and has the highest legal power – equivalent to a handwritten signature. Signing documents the qualified signature guarantees their full acceptance in contacts with public administrations, courts and business partners throughout the European Union. With the usage of a qualified certificate it is possible to keep the integrity of the paper and the certainty of the identity of the signatory.
The eIDAS Regulation besides focuses on another trust services, specified as electronic seal is time stamp. The seal serves legal persons to confirm the authenticity and integrity of documents electronic, while the time stamp precisely determines the minute of signing. It is worth noting that the European Union considers electronic signature as a key component of digital transformation, and that is why the government in this area is systematically developed and adapted to changing needs.
Electronic signature in the European Union: eIDAS 2.0
Technological developments and the increasing needs of the digital marketplace prompted the European Commission to propose an update of the eIDAS Regulation. The proposal was presented on 3 June 2021, and on 30 April 2024 an amendment was made in the form of the alleged eIDAS 2.0 regulation. Officially eIDAS 2.0 began to apply in May 2024. The fresh electronic signature regulation in the European Union aims to further improve the digital interaction between citizens, entrepreneurs and public administrations.
The key change introduced by eIDAS 2.0 is The concept of the European Digital Identity Wallet (European Digital Identity Wallet). This solution allows EU citizens to store and manage their recognition data and papers in digital form so that the process can be simplified identity verification. For entrepreneurs, this means easier access to cross-border services and more smooth business processes related to electronic signatures.
eIDAS 2.0 indicates that a qualified electronic signature should:
- allow for the direct recognition of the signatory,
- be assigned to a circumstantial individual who authorises documents,
- be linked to the data contained in the signed paper in specified a way as to prevent its subsequent modification,
- be submitted utilizing data only the signatory has access to, which guarantees its authenticity,
- be issued by a qualified trust service provider.
Summary
The article explains what an electronic signature is in the European Union. Legal regulations, specified as eIDAS 2.0, introduce a unified strategy of electronic recognition and authentication of papers that enhances online transaction safety and facilitates global cooperation. If you want to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by digitization of business processes, you should get acquainted with the offer of modern solutions to aid you implement electronic signing of papers in accordance with current regulations. Select Qualified Signature in SIGNIUS – a comprehensive solution for the signing of electronic documents, which is full in line with the eIDAS 2.0 Regulation.
