The EU is working on a new plan for a standardized digital ID to speed travel in and out of the Schengen region, using data from passport and ID chips on users’ smartphones. The plan will still need approval from the EU Council and Parliament, and would likely not be in use before 2030.
Several countries, including the Netherlands, Finland and Croatia have already launched pilot projects of their own, but a previous plan for a Europe-wide credential came apart over concerns over privacy. The new plan would use encrypted data read directly from the chips to the users’ phones, meaning that no data would be stored anywhere it isn’t already.
With 600 million border crossings into and out of the zone, the hope is to speed travel and allow authorities to focus on any violators or terrorism suspects rather than on ordinary travelers.
The EU plan envisions a region-wide European Digital Identity wallet, which could also hold standardized digital driver licenses, prescriptions and other documents.
