As of 2024, all EU/EEA countries, except Denmark, issue national identity cards with an electronic identity (eID) function. These cards can be used for digital signatures, allowing citizens to authenticate themselves digitally and sign documents electronically. The eID functions are incorporated either through an EMV (contact chip) or, more commonly, through a RFID/NFC (contactless) function. This enables citizens to use their identity cards for secure online transactions and digital signatures, similar to Italy's CIE .

The EU is also developing a European Digital Identity Wallet, which will allow citizens to use their national digital identities across the EU for both online and offline services. This wallet will enable users to prove their identity and share electronic documents using a smartphone. The EU aims to have this digital identity wallet recognized and available in all member states by 2026 .