Cyprus to approve 100,000 electronic IDs for digital transition

The Council of Ministers is set to approve the purchase of 100,000 electronic ID cards during its meeting today at 11:00 a.m., President Nikos Christodoulides announced while speaking at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit, held at the Nicosia Municipal Theater.

As President Christodoulides explained, "We will approve incentives for the electronic ID at the Council of Ministers meeting at 11:00, including the digital signature, to enhance the security, efficiency, and speed of transactions, ensuring that government services are delivered smoothly and securely."

He added that "the Council of Ministers is expected to make a significant decision today regarding electronic IDs, approving the purchase of 100,000 electronic IDs over the next three years for use by citizens of the Republic aged 18 and older."

This decision, President Christodoulides emphasized, "will play a key role in our efforts toward the gradual digital transition of the state."

He further explained that "the ID, to be announced today, will be valid for three years, with the option to renew, and will enable, among other things, swift electronic identification for accessing information systems with a high level of security. It will also be recognized at the European level for cross-border transactions."

The President stressed that "when used for electronic document signing, it will hold the same legal standing as a handwritten signature and can be utilized in all electronic transactions that currently require a handwritten signature to complete."

In conclusion, President Christodoulides expressed his confidence that everyone understands the benefits this initiative will bring to the public, citizens, and the private sector, and that it will provide a substantial boost to the development of fully digital services.

Here is President Christodoulides' full statement: