Digital identities are becoming more concrete
The introduction of the EU Digital Identity Wallet, also known as the EUDI Wallet, not only brings technological change, but also new opportunities for proving personal characteristics in the digital space. A key element here is electronic attestations of attributes (EAA). These digital proofs make it possible to share personal or organisational information in a legally compliant, secure and interoperable manner – whether with public authorities or private service providers. Private individuals will then no longer have to carry all kinds of documents with them, but can store them conveniently and centrally – if they wish. Use of the wallet is voluntary.
As a qualified trust service provider, we know that the integrity and authenticity of digital attributes is crucial for trustworthy transactions – whether in digital administrative procedures, contract conclusions or daily business transactions. Below, we present the three types of electronic attributes that play a role in the context of the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
Qualified electronic attribute attestations (Q-EAA)
These certificates represent the highest level of trust and security. They are issued by qualified trust service providers (QTSPs) that meet the strict requirements of the eIDAS Regulation.
Features:
- Legally valid throughout the EU
- High evidential value in court
- Unique identity binding
- Based on officially recognised sources
- Same evidential value as paper certificates
A typical example: Proof of official professional accreditation, e.g. as a doctor or solicitor, issued by a QTSP or a qualified electronic certificate for a digital signature with high evidential value.
Non-qualified electronic attribute certificates (NQ-EAA)
This form of evidence is more structured than simple self-disclosures, but without the formal qualification of a QTSP. Nevertheless, depending on the application scenario, they can be a useful means of proving certain characteristics or roles.
Possible uses:
- Roles or functions within a company (“IT administrator”)
- Proof of membership
- Certifications by trustworthy but non-qualified bodies (e.g. trust service providers that are not necessarily on the eIDAS Trusted List)
They offer more flexibility and are perfectly adequate for many everyday applications – but should not be used on their own for particularly sensitive legal processes.
Public electronic attribute certificates (PuB-EAA)
These proofs are issued on behalf of public bodies or authorities and are based on official registers or government databases. They have the same legal effect as paper-based documents and are particularly important for official or sovereign services.
What sets them apart:
- Issued by authorised bodies in the public sector
- Based on official data sources (e.g. population registers, professional registers)
- Legally equivalent to traditional documents (e.g. birth certificate, driving licence)
- Signed with a qualified certificate from a QTSP, even though the issuing authority itself is not a QTSP
PuB-EAAs play a central role in the digital transformation of public administration. They enable the legally compliant, fast and seamless provision of official information – for example, for proof of age, address confirmation or nationality.
Why this distinction is crucial
The three types of electronic attributes reflect different levels of trust and areas of application. With the EU Digital Identity Wallet, it will be crucial to know which proof is required and permissible in which context.
As a qualified trust service provider, we ensure that our solutions support this differentiation – technically, legally and practically. Whether qualified, non-qualified or public: with the right infrastructure, digital attributes can be managed, issued and verified securely and in a user-friendly manner.
Here is a brief overview:
| Q-EAA | NQ-EAA | PuB-EAA | |
| Issuer | QTSP | Non-qualified body | Public authority |
| Certificate request | Qualified | Optional | Qualified (via QTSP) |
| Data source | Official/Governmental | Any (depending on context) | Official registers |
| Legally valid throughout the EU | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Evidential value in court | High | Low to medium | High |
| Typical application | Professional references, roles | Company affiliation, certificates | Birth certificates, driving licences |
| Distribution in wallets | High | Medium | High |
Conclusion: Digital credentials with a future
Electronic certification of attributes is a key component of digital identities that create real added value – from automated access to administrative services to digital contract conclusion. It is crucial that they are legally valid, traceable and interoperable.
It is also important to select the right type of attributes for each application in order to guarantee the highest possible level of security.
