Ukraine has made a breakthrough in the field of digitalization, becoming the first country outside the European Union to integrate with the single European digital wallet (EUDI Wallet). This event paves the way for international recognition of Ukrainian electronic documents and changes the rules of the game for citizens planning trips abroad.
Details of the integration and prospects for using digital documents were discussed by Valeriia Koval, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Four documents to start
Currently, the integration process is in the active testing stage. As part of the pilot project with the European platform, the compatibility of four key documents is being checked. For the average user, the process of obtaining international status will be as simple as possible: it is enough to activate the corresponding function in the 'Diia' app.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has already identified a favorite, which is most likely to be the first to receive official recognition in EU countries. It is the digital driver's license.
Why a driver's license?
Valeriia Koval explained the choice of priorities as a combination of several factors. First, there are clear international standards for driver's documents, which simplifies the validation procedure. Second, there is a huge practical demand from drivers who often travel abroad. Third, the digital rights service in Ukraine is already well-developed and enjoys high popularity.
"It is precisely the digital driver's license, in my opinion, that is an excellent candidate for a quick launch in the EU," noted the Deputy Minister.
Global ambitions and electronic signature
The Ministry of Digital Transformation's plans are not limited to just driver's licenses. In parallel, active work is underway to recognize the Ukrainian electronic signature in all EU countries. This will allow citizens and businesses to sign legally binding documents at the international level without the need for physical presence.
In the future, the department is considering the possibility of creating similar "trust collaborations" not only with European partners but also with other countries of the world, expanding the geography of digital documents.
New app features
The development of the digital ecosystem continues within the country as well. It was previously reported that the 'Diia' app will soon offer the ability to file for divorce online, which will be another step in simplifying bureaucratic procedures for citizens.