European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen has reassured Polish authorities and users that the national mObywatel app will continue to operate alongside the new European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet) mandated by the eIDAS 2.0 Regulation. In a written reply to a parliamentary question from MEP Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Virkkunen confirmed that Poland is developing an upgraded version of mObywatel that will integrate EUDI Wallet components while preserving existing functionalities. The Commission supports the coexistence of national eID solutions with EUDI Wallets, rejecting a single-wallet approach. Poland is also actively participating in EU pilot projects to align national and EU digital identity frameworks.
This clarification follows a period of intense debate on the EU Digital Identity framework. On March 25, 2026, MEPs Emilio Navarro and Anna Schmidt clashed in the European Parliament plenary over the balance between EU centralization and national sovereignty in digital identity management. Navarro advocated for a strong EU-level institutional framework, including an EU Digital Identity Authority and a €200 million budget, while Schmidt defended national flexibility and voluntary cooperation. The Commission’s current stance aligns more closely with Schmidt’s vision, emphasizing integration without forced replacement.
Earlier, on April 3, 2026, ENISA launched a public consultation on a draft certification scheme for EU Digital Identity Wallets, with responses due by April 30, 2026. Member States must provide at least one certified wallet by end of 2026. This certification effort, supported by a €1.6 million Contribution Agreement with the Commission, aims to standardize cybersecurity requirements across the bloc.
On April 13, 2026, the European Commission proposed the European Business Wallet (EBW), which was welcomed by EDPIA with recommendations for mandatory adoption and KYB onboarding. The EBW is separate from the EUDI Wallet but part of the broader digital identity ecosystem.
Virkkunen’s reply does not introduce new legislative proposals or numerical targets. It reiterates the Commission’s role as a facilitator, supporting Member States’ implementation strategies. The December 2026 deadline for EU wallets remains, but no budget details were provided. Polish authorities gain flexibility and EU support; mObywatel users retain familiar tools with added EU wallet features; tech developers face complexity in merging systems. The Commission’s answer signals a cooperative trajectory, preparing the ground for upcoming compliance reviews and technical evaluations within EU digital identity frameworks.
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