EU Commission Proposes Digital Passports and IDs to Simplify Schengen

EU Commission Proposes Digital Passports and IDs to Simplify Schengen Travel

The European Commission is taking steps to revolutionise travel within the Schengen zone by proposing digital versions of passports and identity cards.

Announced on 08 October, this initiative aims to make travel easier and more efficient by providing digital credentials that can be accessed via mobile phones, complementing the traditional physical documents.

These digital IDs will hold the same data as the chips in physical passports, including photos but excluding fingerprints. While travellers will still need to present physical documents at border controls, those with digital versions will be able to tap their phones for quick verification. Importantly, the digital option is not mandatory, travellers can request it when renewing or receiving new passports or IDs, free of charge.

To further streamline travel, the Commission is developing an EU digital travel app, expected by 2030, that will automatically generate these digital documents. Some countries, like the Netherlands, Finland, and Croatia, are already testing national systems as part of this pilot project.

“With nearly 600 million border crossings in 2023 alone, the need for faster border control is clear,”

“Our aim is to enhance travel efficiency while maintaining the highest level of security.”

European Commission

Additionally, digital credentials could be linked to the European Digital Identity wallet, integrating services such as digital driving licences and medical prescriptions. These IDs may also serve broader purposes, such as registering residency in other EU countries or accessing national identification services.

Privacy concerns, however, remain. The proposal has faced criticism, especially from Dutch MPs, over data protection and security issues.

EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders sought to reassure the public, emphasising that strong encryption and data protection laws would safeguard personal information.

The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council before it can be implemented.

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