The Nordic-Baltic region faces challenges in creating a cross border digital PoA landscape. Specifically, the region faces an implementation of the revised eIDAS, including the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW), and its integration with cross-border solutions such as the Single Digital Gateway Regulation, including the Once Only Technical System (OOTS), as well as the soon-to-be-adopted European Health Data Space (EHDS) and Upgrading Digital Company Law (UDCL). In addition, the region must address the issues identified in the As-Is analysis to meet these regulations and improve the cross-border integration of digital PoAs, with a focus on ensuring that digital PoA systems are socially inclusive and accessible to all citizens, including those from vulnerable groups.
This section synthesizes key insights from the analysis of PoA use cases and Proof of Concept, building on the As-Is analysis, shedding light on the most pressing challenges and opportunities for implementing cross-border digital interactions within the framework of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW). The findings highlight areas for further investigation and may aid in forming the foundation for shaping the next steps toward realizing a seamless and socially inclusive cross-border digital PoA landscape.
PoA Compatibility: Ensuring PoA formats and attributes across countries are compatible with the EUDIW and each other is important. Such efforts can reduce fragmentation and enhance efficiency in cross-border digital interactions regarding PoAs.
Public-Private Collaboration: The nature of the PoA solutions and maturity levels within countries require collaboration between public and private actors. Ensuring such a collaboration may be important to the eventual success of the use cases and proof of concept for the EUDIW.
Legal and technical harmonization needs: There is a need for harmonizing the legal and technical aspects of PoAs across the EU – on the one hand ensuring the same framework to be implemented in all countries, and on the other hand ensuring a uniform implementation of such framework. This includes standardizing the attributes required for identity verification and PoA creation to ensure consistency and reliability.
Policy and guidance development: Develop clear policies and guidance for both domestic and cross-border PoA practices to address issues such as mandate matching, identity verification discrepancies, and the need for additional attributes in the PoA process.
Gradual Implementation: Small, incremental steps focusing on manageable use cases, such as PoA management in limited tax or business contexts, can help uncover critical lessons while minimizing risks and complexity.
Pilot Opportunities: Countries with higher levels of digital PoA maturity are well-positioned to serve as test cases for Proof of Concepts. These can serve as proof of concepts to provide valuable insights into addressing interoperability challenges and scaling solutions regionally.
Component Testing: Testing individual elements of the EUDIW, such as attribute attestation or notification mechanisms, can provide targeted insights and inform broader system development.
Interoperability Challenges: Addressing issues related to identity matching and attribute verification across borders is fundamental. Exploring various solutions to tackle these challenges is essential, including investigating how they can be best resolved. The OOTS offers potential future solution by enabling the retrieval and alignment of data from national systems, fostering seamless cross-border processes.
By focusing on these areas, the NCM can develop a nuanced understanding of the steps needed to advance digital collaboration across the Nordic region while laying a strong foundation for scalable and sustainable solutions.