TAMPERE, FINLAND — Nordic and Baltic ministers for digitalisation are set to adopt a declaration promoting the use of European Digital Identity Wallets during their annual meeting in Tampere on Thursday, 6 November.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Finland’s Ministry of Finance, the meeting—held under the presidency of Finland and Åland within the Nordic Council of Ministers—will focus on establishing a shared certification system for the wallets across the Nordic and Baltic region.
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to facilitate the adoption of secure and cost-effective digital identity solutions that enable citizens to manage their verified credentials digitally. A European Digital Identity Wallet, accessible via mobile application, functions similarly to a physical wallet by storing various forms of identification and personal information.
The ministers are also expected to discuss ways to expand digital cooperation and advance their shared Vision 2030 goal of making the Nordic region the world’s most sustainable and integrated area. A key focus of the discussions will be improving cross-border data flow and strengthening collaboration on digital infrastructure.
“Expanding, digitalising and automating the exchange of population data are effective ways of removing barriers to free movement and improving Nordic public services,” said Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government. “Joint work on certifications will also make the adoption of digital identity wallets smoother and is a concrete example of Nordic cooperation.”
Finland and Åland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers this year has emphasized comprehensive security, the wellbeing of children and young people, and digital equality. Earlier in the summer, the Nordic and Baltic ministers issued a joint declaration on artificial intelligence and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Another milestone under the current presidency is the launch of New Nordics AI, a regional AI centre established to enhance cooperation and accelerate artificial intelligence development across the Nordic-Baltic area. The initiative is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and brings together five national AI organisations: AI Sweden, AI Finland, Digital Dogme (Denmark), TEK Norge (Norway), and Almannarómur (Iceland).
