Moldova's e-Governance Agency Joins EU Digital Identity Wallet Pilot Program

Moldova's e-Governance Agency Engages in EU Digital Identity Wallet Pilot

The Moldova e-Governance Agency (AGE) has made a significant stride in digital modernization by announcing its participation in the European Union's second wave of pilot projects for the Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI) this March. This venture marks a critical moment for Moldova as it positions itself alongside a prestigious consortium named WE BUILD, selected by the European Commission to transform digital identity services.

The ambition behind this initiative is not just digitization but a commitment to align with European standards, ramping up Moldova's digital presence in an era where government services increasingly rely on technology. As a burgeoning sector, Moldova's IT industry is a key player in driving this agenda forward, contributing approximately 5% of the national GDP while housing a technological innovation park that accommodates over 2,100 firms from more than 40 countries.

AGE is set to play an essential role in developing secure solutions that connect businesses and administrations, which will integrate digital wallets into public services across the EU. This engagement will promote the sharing of best practices, fostering widespread adoption of digital identity wallets for online services across public and private domains.

Moldova is already progressing in this space with an initial version of a digital identity wallet embedded within its national public service application called EVO. Additionally, EVOSign—an authentication tool currently in the pilot testing stage—represents the nation's commitment to advancing the Digital Identity Wallet initiative, with ambitions to evolve it into a comprehensive electronic signature application.

This pilot represents the first project for Moldova as a recipient of the Digital Europe Programme, reaffirming its dedication to digital innovation and integration with EU standards. The EUDI aims to provide a secure means for individuals and businesses to access online services while enabling them to store, share digital documents, and create legally binding electronic signatures. Each EU member state will roll out its own wallet application based on shared specifications that ensure interoperability, enhancing cross-border interactions.

The large-scale pilot projects are crucial for fine-tuning the EUDI's development, testing specifications, and drafting implementable legislation to incorporate the EUDI into European law effectively. With a budget of €7 billion earmarked from the Digital Europe Programme, these projects aspire to promote digital adoption across numerous sectors. The WE BUILD consortium, comprising nearly 200 partners from EU member states and the private sector, will spearhead this initiative.

The project, overseen by governmental organizations from the Netherlands and Sweden, is set to launch in fall 2025, anticipated to last for 24 months. Moldova officially formalized its association with the Digital Europe Programme in February 2024, entrusting AGE with the role of national contact point to ensure ongoing improvement in the country's digital transformation efforts.

This dynamic shift not only positions Moldova in the digital landscape but also invites a collaborative effort to enhance user experiences with more secure and efficient online services. The future is bright for Moldova as the nation embraces the necessary digital evolutions, promising more accessible and reliable service offerings aligned with EU standards.