New Developments in Electronic Identification Between Ukraine and the EU

Ukraine and the European Union have updated their joint working plan in the area of electronic identification and trust services. This plan outlines priority actions that will enable the recognition of specific electronic trust services from Ukraine by 2026 and establish an internal market for these services starting in 2027.

«Ukraine is confidently transitioning from being a candidate country to a state that, together with the EU, is shaping the future of digital Europe. Even amid a full-scale invasion, we have not only maintained our course towards digital transformation but have also become the first country outside the EU to be included in the EU Trusted List. The update of the joint plan is another clear signal that our experience, our technologies, and our approach are highly valued. The mutual recognition of electronic trust services is a testament to the deep digital integration that Ukraine has achieved through consistent work, trust from partners, and real changes,» said Valeria Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration.

What this means if the plan is successfully implemented:

• In 2026, the EU will recognize specific Ukrainian electronic signatures, seals, and other trust services, allowing their legal use in Europe.
• From 2027, all Ukrainian electronic identification means and trust services will be automatically recognized in the EU on an equal footing with European ones.

This will enable Ukrainians to seamlessly sign documents, utilize electronic services in the EU, and interact with European institutions using Ukrainian electronic signatures.

The process involves several stages, including the assessment of Ukrainian legislation, testing cross-border interoperability of services, and amending Ukrainian laws. Ukraine has already begun preparations for changes in legislation and infrastructure to comply with new European standards.

It is worth noting that the first joint working plan between Ukraine and the EU in the field of electronic identification and electronic trust services was approved in 2021. The updated eIDAS Regulation came into effect in May 2024, and the finalization of the EU's implementation acts in this area is currently underway.