The European Commission has proposed new rules to facilitate cross-border electronic transactionseres secure in Europe. The proposed Regulation will ensure that individuals and businesses can use their own national electronic identification systems in other EU countries where electronic identification exists. It also creates a single market for
electronic signature and related online trust services beyond the front lineseres, ensuring that these services work across the front lineseres and enjoy the same legal status as traditional paper procedures. This will give full effect to the potential savings brought about by electronic contracting.
The proposal respects national identification systems, as well as the preferences of Member States that do not have national identification systems. It allows countries with electronic identification systems to choose to stay out of the pan-European system. If a Member State notifies its willingness to join this pan-European system, it must offer the same access to public services through electronic identification as to its own citizens.
Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission, responsible for the Digital Agenda, said:
“People and businesses should be able to transact within a digital single market without a fronteres, which is the value of the Internet. Legal certainty and trust are essential, which is why a Regulation on electronic signatures and electronic identification is necessary. This proposal will make the most of everyone's electronic identification, if they have one. Thanks to the mutual recognition of national electronic identifications and common rules on trust services and electronic signatures, we will be able to prevent
national divisions of the Internet and online public services, and make life easier for millions of businesses and even more citizens. "
Source: News prepared by the Delegation of the General Council of Spanish Law in Brussels.
