❢ 𝐆reece to Launch National Mobile ID By End of July, Says Digital Governance Minister

“…the Greek government envisions fairly comprehensive functionality for the new virtual IDs, which will be available in mobile wallet-style app.”

- Greek authorities will launch a mobile version of government-issued ID cards and driver’s licenses by the end of July, according to the country’s Digital Governance Minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis

The update speaks to a delay on the government’s part. At the start of this year, Minister Pierrakakis had told Skai TV that authorities would certainly have a fully functional digital ID solution ready by Easter. The Ministry of Digital Governance appeared to have put the project on a fast track after the success of its launch of a mobile-based COVID-19 vaccination certificate in December of 2021.

In any case, the effort is clearly coming together. As Kathimerini reports, in a new interview with Skai TV the Digital Governance Minister offered further details about the coming mobile ID solution, fleshing out a project that is nearing completion. It will include a QR code feature for use in transactions with government agencies, and each digital ID will feature a new registration number that will replace the existing AMKA social security number and AFM tax ID.That all suggests that the Greek government envisions fairly comprehensive functionality for the new virtual IDs, which will be available in mobile wallet-style app. And Minister Pierrakakis suggested in the interview that citizens will be able to use the IDs in lieu of physical identity documents, saying that “people will be able to circulate around the country with their ID and driving license on their phone.”

That having been said, not every hurdle has been cleared yet. Minister Pierrakakis said that the Ministry of Digital Governance is currently trying to work with the country’s Banking Association to resolve concerns about the project among lenders, according to the Kathimerini report.

Greece’s efforts to develop this mobile ID solution reflect a broader trend around the world. Qatar, for example, launched a Digital ID Card app last month, and authorities in the Philippines have been issuing mobile ID credentials to make up for distribution issues concerning the country’s PhilID cards.

n Europe, digital ID projects are accelerating in part due to European Union mandates. Member countries will be required to begin pilot phases of digital ID wallets next year, and to provide such digital IDs to their citizens in 2024.