The eIDAS revolution for European consumers

Since 2016, the European eIDAS regulation (n°910/2014) has harmonized electronic signatures throughout the European Union. For individuals, this means that an electronic signature made in France is automatically recognized in Germany, Spain, Italy or the other 23 EU countries.

The eIDAS regulation recognizes three levels of electronic signature: simple (code by email), advanced (certificate with authentication) and qualified (equivalent to handwritten signature). For individuals, these three options cover all day-to-day needs.

European use cases for private customers

National e-identity solutions

Each European country has developed its own electronic identification (eID) solutions recognized by eIDAS. Here are the main solutions used by private individuals:

How cross-border recognition works

Case in point: Franco-German apartment rental

Situation: Marie (French) rents an apartment in Munich from Hans (German).

Result: a lease signed electronically has the same legal force as a lease signed manually in Munich before witnesses, under German AND French law.

European frequently asked questions

Is my Belgian electronic signature valid in Spain?

Yes, absolutely. Article 25 of the eIDAS regulation imposes mandatory mutual recognition of qualified signatures. A Belgian itsme® signature has exactly the same legal value in Spain as a Spanish DNI electrónico signature.

Can I be obliged to sign electronically in another EU country?

No, never. The eIDAS regulation guarantees that nobody can be forced to use an electronic signature. You still have the right to request a handwritten signature, even for cross-border transactions.

How can I check that a service provider is eIDAS-compliant?

Consult the EU Trust List maintained by the European Commission. All Qualified Trusted Service Providers (QTSPs) are listed, along with their certification status by country.

Which language for cross-border documents?

The eIDAS regulation does not regulate the language of documents, only their technical and legal validity. For contracts between private individuals, choose a language understood by all parties, or use a certified translation if necessary.

What to do in the event of a cross-border dispute?

Electronically signed documents have the same probative value as paper documents. In the event of a dispute, the competent court is determined by European private international law, but the validity of the signature itself cannot be challenged solely on the grounds that it is electronic.

Comparative advantages: paper vs. electronic signature in Europe

Key points to remember

• Automatic recognition throughout the EU: A qualified electronic signature issued in one Member State is legally valid in the other 26, without any additional formalities, thanks to the eIDAS regulation.
• Equivalence with handwritten signatures: Qualified electronic signatures (QES) are presumed to be reliable and have the same probative value as handwritten signatures before all European courts.
• Interoperable national solutions: Each country offers its own tools (itsme® in Belgium, SPID in Italy, FranceConnect+ in France), but they all work together thanks to the eIDAS technical standards.
• Guaranteed consumer protection: You can never be forced to sign electronically. The handwritten signature remains a legal option that the other party must accept.
• Future: European digital wallet: By 2026, the EU Digital Identity Wallet will enable all Europeans to manage their digital identity in a unified and secure way throughout the Union.