eIDAS Regulation: simple and complete explanation

eIDAS in one sentence

eIDAS in one sentenceeIDAS

(Electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) is the European regulation n°910/2014 which unifies the legal framework for electronic signature, digital identity and trust services in the 27 member states.

It entered into force on July 1, 2016 with direct force of law in each member state.

Why eIDAS was created

Before 2016, each country had its own law. A signature issued in France was not automatically recognized in Germany.

1. eIDAS solves three problems:eIDAS solves three problems:
2. Legal fragmentation ⬥⬥⬥: a single framework for 27 countriesMutual recognition ⬥⬥⬥: a signature valid everywhere
3. Harmonized levels ⬥⬥⬥: three standardized levels (SES, AES, QES)The three signature levels

Simple signature (SES) ⬥⬥⬥: all electronic consent

• Advanced signature (AES) ⬥⬥⬥: unambiguous identification + strong authenticationQualified signature (QES) ⬥⬥⬥: AES + qualified certificate + device secure
• Qualified signature (QES) ⬥⬥⬥: AES + qualified certificate + device secureFor details, see
• simple, advanced, qualified ⬥⬥⬥.Trust Service Providers (TSP/QTSP)

eIDAS creates the status of Trust Service Provider (TSP), which can beQualified(QTSP) if it is audited and included on a Member State's trusted list. In France, the

ANSSI

ANSSImaintains this list (Docaposte Certigna, Universign, CertEurope, etc.).Mutual recognitionA signature issued by a French QTSP is automatically recognized throughout the EU. This principle also applies to digital identities: FranceConnect+ will be interoperable with the identity wallets of other States under eIDAS 2.0.Principle of non-discrimination (article 25)

“An electronic signature cannot be refused as evidence in court solely because it is in electronic form.”

Even a simple signature is admissible. The judge assesses the reliability of the process, but the digital format alone is not a reason for rejection.

eIDAS 2.0: what changes

eIDAS 2.0: what changes

Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 modernizes eIDAS with the

European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDIW)

. By the end of 2026, each state will have to offer a mobile application to store identity certificates and sign with a QES.What it changes for your businessSign with EU counterparties without negotiating the framework

Choose an eIDAS compliant service provider

• Choose an eIDAS compliant service provider
• Prepare for EUDIW (2026-2027)
• Adapt the level to the challenge
• How Certyneo aligns with eIDAS

Certyneo natively issues compliant SES and AES signatures, with PAdES token, timestamp and audit trail. For QES, we interface with European QTSPs.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

Is eIDAS mandatory?

Is eIDAS mandatory?

Highly recommended for any signature with EU cross-border legal value.

Difference between eIDAS and GDPR?

eIDAS governs signatures and identities. GDPR governs data protection. Complementary.

Can I sign with a non-EU provider?

Legally yes, but cross-border recognition is less.

Does ANSSI certify platforms?

ANSSI qualifies QTSP (for QES). For SES/AES, it is the eIDAS compliance of the service provider.

ANSSI qualifies QTSP (for QES). For SES/AES, it is the eIDAS compliance of the service provider.

How do I know if a document is signed in QES?In Adobe Reader: signature properties → level and certificate. Seeverify a signed document ⬥⬥⬥.

Conclusion

eIDAS is the European base which makes electronic signatures legally reliable, cross-border and standardized.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.