ABSTRACT

Purpose and Context

The Nordic Council of Ministers commissioned this report to analyze the current state and future potential of cross-border digital Powers of Attorney (PoAs) in the Nordic-Baltic region. The aim is to ensure interoperability, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote inclusivity while aligning with key EU initiatives such as the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW)and the Single Digital Gateway (SDG).

Key Findings – As-Is Analysis

1. Digital PoA Maturity Varies

Different platforms, electronic ID (eID) solutions, and national PoA registries create fragmentation in digital PoAs across the region.
Some countries use sector-specific solutions (healthcare, taxation, business), while others consolidate PoAs in a single system.
The digitalization level of PoAs differs—some countries use fully digital solutions, while others still rely on PDFs and e-signatures.

2. Legal and Governance Barriers to Interoperability

Legal differences include variations in governance models, age requirements, and residency prerequisites.
While most Nordic-Baltic countries allow login via eIDAS nodes (enabling foreigners to use EU-recognized eIDs), identity matching across borders remains a challenge.

3. EU Initiatives Present Opportunities for Interoperability

The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW) could enable secure authentication and verification for PoAs.
The Once Only Technical System (OOTS) may help streamline cross-border data exchange.

4. Social Inclusion Challenges

Vulnerable groups (elderly, non-digital users, immigrants) risk being excluded from digital PoA solutions.
Some countries offer alternative access options like physical PoAs, English-language interfaces, digital literacy workshops, and allowing trusted representatives to assist non-digital users.

Key Recommendations – To-Be Analysis

1. Leverage EUDIW for Verification and Authentication

EUDIW could support secure login, confirmation, and acceptance processes for PoAs.

2. Align National PoA Systems with EU Regulations

Standardizing data attributes for PoA creation under eIDAS 2.0 is essential for interoperability.

3. Increase Digital PoA Adoption

Countries still using manual or PDF-based PoAs could transition to fully digital, validated, and stored PoAs.

4. Enable Cross-Border Assignments of PoAs

The current systems do not allow assigning PoA rights to foreign organizations.
OOTS could facilitate data retrieval from foreign registries.

5. Improve Notification and Acceptance Systems

PoA assignees could be notified and required to accept assignments in a structured manner.

6. Enhance Identity Matching for Foreign Users

Existing PoA platforms struggle to match international identities and PoA mandates.
EUDIW, OOTS, and national digital ID systems could work together to resolve this.

Concluding Remarks

The Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) is well-positioned to drive digital PoA harmonization across the region. Possible steps to improve cross-border interoperability include:

Aligning formats and attributes with EUDIW
Developing pilot projects in countries with advanced PoA systems
Gradual implementation of digital PoAs within the EUDIW framework
Addressing interoperability challenges through OOTS and other EU mechanisms

This analysis provides a strategic roadmap for integrating digital PoAs across the Nordic-Baltic region, ensuring greater accessibility, efficiency, and cross-border functionality.