Transforming EU Governance: The Digital Integration through EBSI and GLASS

TL;DR

The paper addresses the shortcomings of traditional, disconnected identity systems in public administration and proposes a digital, citizen-owned wallet approach to enable verifiable credentials across the EU. It combines GLASS, a self-sovereign identity framework using IPFS and Hyperledger Fabric, with EBSI's European Blockchain Services Infrastructure to support cross-border e-government services and document verification. The analysis covers regulatory alignment with GDPR/eIDAS, architectural components (core services, chain/storage, and wallets), and concrete use cases like diplomas and mobility, detailing how a GLASS-over-EBSI model can be implemented. The work argues that integrating GLASS and EBSI could streamline public services, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance trust and mobility for EU citizens, while acknowledging political, privacy, and governance challenges that must be addressed.

Abstract

Traditionally, government systems managed citizen identities through disconnected data systems, using simple identifiers and paper-based processes, limiting digital trust and requiring citizens to request identity verification documents. The digital era offers a shift towards unique digital identifiers for each citizen, enabling a 'citizen wallet' for easier access to personal documents like academic records and licences, with enhanced security through digital signatures. The European Commission's initiative for a digital wallet for every EU citizen aims to improve mobility and integration, leveraging the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) for harmonised citizen integration. This paper discusses how EBSI and the GLASS project can advance governance and streamline access to identity documents.

Figures (2)

• Figure 1: Overview of triplets.
• Figure 2: GLASS over EBSI model