The innovative application of the European Digital Identity (EUDI Wallet) in the coastal shipping and air transport sectors and its benefits for travelers and businesses were presented by the University of the Aegean and the Innovation and Information Management Laboratory (i4m Lab) at a press conference in Athens.
The EUDI Wallet initiative is implemented within the framework of the European Union’s eIDAS 2.0 Regulation, which provides for the mandatory provision of at least one certified digital wallet by each member state to all citizens and residents by November 2026, with mandatory acceptance by businesses requiring identification by November 2027.
EUDI Wallet is a certified digital medium that allows users to securely store and manage digital identity documents (passport, ID card, driver’s license, etc.), perform secure electronic transactions, and create binding digital signatures.
The solution is based on Verifiable Credentials technology, which ensures the authenticity and security of documents, while supporting strong customer authentication (SCA) and protecting user privacy.
During the presentation, Mr. Nikos Triantafyllou, Researcher and Developer at i4m Lab, presented the successful example of EUDI Wallet implementation at the ferry company Fast Ferries. According to the results, the adoption of the digital wallet drastically reduced the booking and boarding time, simplifying the ticketing and payment process, while significantly enhancing data accuracy and the passenger experience. “This technology minimizes waiting time and eliminates the need for manual data entry, while reducing errors and fraud,” stressed Mr. Triantafyllou.
The digital revolution in air transport
EUDI Wallet is also entering the air transport sector, where the need for fast and contactless procedures during travel is greater than ever. The Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of the Aegean and Director of i4m Lab, Mr. Petros Kavasalis, stated that the use of digital identity and biometric recognition can drastically reduce waiting times at airports and enhance flight security.
This solution integrates biometric technology with digital identity, allowing passengers to quickly complete check-in, security screening and boarding procedures, exclusively through their mobile phone and biometric verification.
Benefits for travelers and businesses
The EUDI Wallet application offers multiple benefits for both passengers and transport service providers, such as:
Faster booking and boarding processes: Instant issuance and verification of tickets via a digital wallet.
Data security and accuracy: Reduced chances of fraud and errors due to automatic digital verification.
Better passenger experience: Reduced waiting at boarding points and check-in.
Reduced operating costs: Less staff and simplified data verification infrastructure.
Future perspective and European strategy
The presentation by the University of the Aegean highlighted that EUDI Wallet is now a key tool for digital transition in the transport sector, promoting a new way of traveling characterized by simplicity, speed, and security. Four major pan-European pilots (EWCs) are already underway, demonstrating the viability and effectiveness of the solution.
The widespread adoption of EUDI Wallet is expected to bring significant benefits, contributing to Europe’s emergence as a leader in digital transport and the upgrading of travel services across the continent.
