The EBW aims to provide companies in the EU with significantly easier access to digital administrative and business processes. The focus is on less bureaucracy, faster processes, and legally secure digital communication between businesses and public authorities. The DIHK generally views the proposal as positive but sees a need for improvements in terms of the speed of implementation, technical execution, and legal framework from a corporate perspective.
Background
As part of its digital package, the European Commission has presented a draft regulation for the introduction of the European Business Wallet (EBW). It aims to bundle key functions: digital identification and authentication of companies, electronic signatures, management of electronic verifications, and a qualified electronic delivery service. EBW solutions are to be provided in competition by notified private suppliers; usage by companies is voluntary, while public authorities are to gradually make the EBW mandatory. According to Commission estimations, up to EUR 160 billion in bureaucracy costs could be saved annually. In Germany, the EBW would technically complement fragmented national solutions such as "Mein Unternehmenskonto" and, in the long term, create a unified EU-wide infrastructure for corporate identities.
Key Points at a Glance
- The DIHK supports the introduction of the European Business Wallet as a Europe-wide unified solution for digital corporate identities and proofs.
- The wallet is intended to serve as a standard tool for secure digital exchange between businesses and authorities, as well as in B2B transactions.
- Its use by businesses remains voluntary; public authorities, however, will be required to accept the EBW.
- For businesses, short implementation periods, clear liability rules, and high security standards are crucial.
- Standardised interfaces and a robust ecosystem around the EBW are considered key to broad adoption – especially among small and medium-sized enterprises.
DIHK's Demands
Tightening the schedule
Public authorities should accept the EBW significantly earlier than proposed in the draft; the DIHK calls for mandatory acceptance no later than 12 months after the regulation's entry into force, with narrowly defined exceptions.
Advancing standardisation
European identifiers such as the European Unique Identifier (EUID) should be rapidly and comprehensively allocated and coordinated with other identification systems, such as tax identification numbers.
Promoting ecosystems and practical tests
Public authorities should support competence centres, test environments, and real-world laboratories to quickly bring use cases—for instance, in the context of supply chains and product data—into application.
Clarifying interactions with existing systems
National and sectoral solutions should be linked to the EBW, duplicate structures reduced, and transitions organised legally securely without jeopardizing the functionality of, for instance, the judiciary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the European Business Wallet (EBW) offer?
The EBW is a digital solution enabling companies to identify themselves towards authorities and business partners, electronically sign documents, manage certificates, and deliver notifications in a legally secure manner—uniformly across Europe.
Is it mandatory for companies to use the EBW?
No. Companies can voluntarily use the EBW. However, authorities are expected to accept EBW certificates and communications, providing companies with an incentive to adopt the system.
How does the EBW differ from the EUDI Wallet?
The EUDI Wallet is designed for individuals and serves as a digital wallet for personal documents. In contrast, the EBW is tailored to businesses and economic operators, focusing on corporate identities, roles, and representation authorities.
What advantages does the EBW offer in cross-border business?
Companies can use identities and certificates in other EU countries using the same procedure—for example, when establishing branches, registering with authorities, or in supply chains. This reduces media disruptions and varying national requirements.
When should companies start engaging with the EBW?
The timeline depends on the further EU legislative process. Given the anticipated role of the EBW as standard infrastructure, it is advisable for highly regulated or internationally operating companies to consider integrating the topic early into digitalisation and IT strategies.
Download
DIHK statement on the establishment of the European Business Wallet, March 10, 2026 (PDF, 167 KB) (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Economic and Fiscal Policy
It has been translated with the assistance of AI.
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the translation.
Released 10.03.2026
Modified 09.11.2026
Contact
Dr. Katrin Sobania
Director Information and Communication Technology | E-Government | Postal Services | IT Security
Jonas Wöll
Director Digital Single Market, EU Transport Policy, Regional Economic Policy