eIDAS 2.0 Timeline & Key Deadlines

Track every milestone of the European Digital Identity framework, from the original Commission proposal to the mandatory wallet rollout across all EU member states.

Overview

The eIDAS 2.0 regulation represents the most ambitious overhaul of digital identity legislation in Europe since the original eIDAS framework was adopted in 2014. Understanding the regulatory timeline is essential for any organisation operating in the EU, because each milestone triggers specific obligations and opportunities.

The legislative journey began in June 2021 when the European Commission tabled its proposal for a European Digital Identity Wallet. After more than two years of negotiation between the Parliament and the Council, the revised regulation was formally adopted in early 2024 and entered into force in May of that year. Since then, the focus has shifted to the technical layer: implementing acts, the Architecture Reference Framework (ARF), and Large-Scale Pilots that will shape how the EUDIW works in practice.

The deadlines ahead are not abstract policy dates. They carry direct compliance consequences. Member states must offer a wallet to citizens by 24 December 2026, and regulated industries will be required to accept them after that. Organisations that begin preparing now will gain a significant competitive advantage. For a step-by-step compliance roadmap, see our eIDAS 2.0 compliance guide.

Full eIDAS 2.0 implementation timeline

June 2021

European Commission Proposal

The European Commission proposed the revision of eIDAS, introducing the European Digital Identity Wallet framework to give every EU citizen access to a secure, interoperable digital identity.

November 2023

Political Agreement Reached

European Parliament and Council reached a political agreement on the revised eIDAS regulation after extensive trilogue negotiations, setting the stage for formal adoption.

March 2024

European Parliament Approval

The regulation was formally adopted by the European Parliament with a decisive majority, signalling strong institutional backing for the digital identity framework.

April 2024

Council of the EU Adoption

The Council formally adopted the regulation, completing the legislative process and clearing the path for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

May 2024

Entry into Force

eIDAS 2.0 officially entered into force on 20 May 2024, starting the countdown for member state transposition and implementing act development.

November 2024

Architecture Reference Framework Updates

Updated ARF specifications for wallet implementation were published, providing technical guidance on interoperability, security, and data model standards for EUDIW development.

December 2024

First Implementing Acts Enter into Force

Implementing Regulations (EU) 2024/2977 to 2024/2982, adopted on 28 November 2024, were published on 4 December and entered into force on 24 December 2024. They define person identification data, attestation formats, wallet certification and relying party registration. They also start the 24-month clock in Article 5a(1) for member states to provide a wallet.

Q4 2025

Large-Scale Pilot Results

Large-Scale Pilots (LSPs) delivered final results and recommendations based on real-world testing across healthcare, finance, travel, and government use cases.

24 December 2026

Member State Wallet Availability

The hard deadline. Every member state must offer at least one European Digital Identity Wallet to its citizens and residents, backed by a notified eID scheme and interoperable across borders. Twenty-four months from the entry into force of the first implementing acts, under Article 5a(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1183.

2026–2027

Mandatory Acceptance by Relying Parties

Private sector entities in key industries, including banking, telecoms, healthcare, and transport, must accept the EUDIW for identity verification and attribute sharing.

2027+

Full Ecosystem Maturity

Complete trust service ecosystem operational with qualified electronic attestations of attributes, cross-border interoperability, and widespread private-sector adoption.

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