2024-10-08 21:06:01
European Commissioners for Justice and Home Affairs, Didier Reynders and Ylva Johansson, today presented a proposal to the European Commission for the introduction of electronic identity documents. At a press conference, the two specified that the commission offers EU citizens who wish to take advantage of this opportunity. According to them, electronic identity cards and passports will facilitate the crossing of borders, reduce abuse and can be used with EU electronic applications that are yet to be created.
Every year, 600 million foreigners arrive in the EU to visit, this burdens the border guards, European Commissioner Johansson pointed out. According to her, it is envisaged that EU countries will be obliged to issue electronic passports to citizens who have submitted the relevant application. She noted that the changes do not foresee the abolition of paper passports, but one can expect, for example, easier registration for a flight, BTA reported.
European Commissioner Reynders added that the introduction of electronic identity cards will expand the possibilities of using online services and this is important for businesses. He assured that citizens’ data will be well protected. According to him, the changes are expected to also cover the identity cards issued by Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The European Commissioner pointed out that it is proposed that all EU countries issue electronic passports and identity cards, except for Denmark, for which European legislation provides an exception.