European trust service providers drive interoperability

On 11 and 12 October 2021, the CEOs of Europe’s leading trust service providers met for the fifth time to promote trustworthy digital infrastructure. The event was attended, among others, by representatives of Asseco Data Systems — Tomasz Litarowicz, Director of Security and Trust Services Division, Marcin Szulga, R&D Director, and Marta Pardon, Analyst.

The annual European Signature Dialog (ESD) meeting acts as a think-tank and a forum where Europe’s leading trust service providers can present their collective positions. At a time when electronic signatures are booming, the association aims to promote harmonized policies for a common digital trust space, make Europe a strong player in authentication and cybersecurity, and help the continent enter a new digital age.

Digitalization supports companies’ activities

“Europe needs clear answers to the future challenges of digitization. The COVID-19 outbreak has made it clear that a trusted digital infrastructure is essential to help companies operate, remain internationally competitive, and mitigate the far-reaching negative effects on the overall economy,” – said Michael Butz, Chairman of the European Signature Dialog.

In this context, knowledge sharing and networking among major suppliers is becoming increasingly important.
“It is essential to pay particular attention to the regulations that must be harmonized to enable truly interoperable eID and trust services across Europe and to reinforce the European Digital Single Market. ESD aims to strengthen and promote the eIDAS regulation as a key enabler for a resilient digital economy” – emphasized Gergely Vanczák, CTO of Hungarian trust service provider Microsec and host of the ESD meeting.

The ESD group meeting is a formula that allows trust service providers from across Europe to share experiences and insights.
“I am very pleased that Asseco Data Systems joined ESD members last year, so we can work together to improve digitization within the European Union. Participation in the meetings allows us to identify barriers existing in individual markets and their elimination by working out the most effective solutions among experts. Together with other representatives, we also indicate the directions of further development of standards for trust services” – added Tomasz Litarowicz, Director of Security and Trust Services Division, Asseco Data Systems.

Enabling interoperability in Europe

The event covered topics such as future trends for the European electronic signature market and the need for uniform regulations. In addition, the conference focused on the issue of proper implementation of a certificate-based profile to enable intra-EU interoperability and technical consolidation. Member States have focused on tools and regulatory frameworks that are able to reinforce the rights of EU citizens within the frames of trust and security services when using online services.