New Developments in Electronic Identification Between Ukraine and the EU
Ukraine and the European Union have renewed their joint action plan aimed at enhancing electronic identification and trust services. This plan outlines key actions to ensure the recognition of specific Ukrainian electronic trust services by 2026, paving the way for an internal market for these services starting in 2027.
«Ukraine is confidently transitioning from being a candidate country to one that collaborates with the EU in shaping the future of a digital Europe. Even amidst the full-scale invasion, we have not only maintained our course towards digital transformation but have also become the first non-EU country to be included in the EU Trusted List. The renewal of this joint plan sends a clear message: our experience, technologies, and approach are highly valued. The mutual recognition of electronic trust services signifies the deep digital integration that Ukraine has achieved through consistent efforts, partner trust, and tangible changes», — stated Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for Eurointegration.
What this means, assuming the successful implementation of the Plan:
- By 2026, the EU will recognize certain Ukrainian electronic signatures, seals, and other trust services, allowing their legal use in Europe.
- Starting in 2027, all Ukrainian electronic identification tools and trust services will be automatically recognized in the EU on par with European ones.
This will enable Ukrainians to seamlessly sign documents, access electronic services in the EU, and interact with European institutions using Ukrainian electronic signatures.
The process involves several stages, including assessing Ukrainian legislation, testing cross-border interoperability of services, and amending Ukrainian laws. Ukraine has already begun preparations for legislative changes and infrastructure development to comply with new European standards.
It is worth noting that the first joint action plan between Ukraine and the EU in the field of electronic identification and trust services was approved in 2021. The updated eIDAS Regulation will come into effect in May 2024, and the finalization of the EU's updated implementing acts in this area is currently underway.