The pilot projects tested the entire electronic identity ecosystem, from issuing a digital wallet to the user, adding personal data and additional documents, to transmitting this information to various service providers.
The POTENTIAL project tested six possible uses for the future digital wallet:
- access to e-services of the state,
- bank account opening,
- mobile SIM card registration,
- presentation of a digital driving licence,
- digital signing,
- digital presentation of prescriptions.
Estonia, coordinated by RIA, participated in the development of the technical solution for testing the digital driving licence.
The digital driving licence pilot project lasted two years, and in parallel it was planned to start developing an Estonian digital wallet solution which would combine the existing capabilities of our digital state with new cross-border solutions.
The purpose of the European Union Digital Wallet is to allow for cross-border identification, sharing of electronic documents, and the use of different services. The European Commission is developing an open-source code prototype for the digital wallet. Building on this, each Member State will develop its own digital wallet application based on an electronic identity solution for its citizens, which will be recognized throughout Europe.
The European Commission will invest a total of 46 million euros from the Digital Europe Programme to test and strengthen European digital wallet. The digital wallet solution is going to be adopted in Europe in 2026.
As of 30 September 2025, the POTENTIAL project has been completed.
Key results of the project, lessons learned, and recommendations for the future:
Last updated: 03.11.2025
