Das Gesetz über die elektronische Identifizierung und die Vertrauensdienste wurde geändert.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia has passed amendments to the Law on Electronic Identification and Trust Services, extending the transitional period for the use of qualified certificates for electronic signatures. The decision was made during today's session on July 15, 2026. These changes will prolong the validity of the transitional phase by five additional years, bringing the total duration to ten years since the law came into force, which means the extended period will last until August 2031. The amendment comes as the existing transitional period was set to expire on August 7, 2026. Despite this, more than 60 percent of users still rely on qualified digital certificates to access electronic services in the public sector. Without the extension, many users would face difficulties accessing these services or would have to incur additional administrative burdens and costs associated with acquiring new forms of electronic identification. The revised law also expands the range of qualified certificates that can be used during the extended transitional period. Under the new provisions, all qualified providers of trust services registered in Slovenia and listed in the national reliable list will be recognized for electronic identification and authentication purposes, regardless of when they were registered. This change reflects recent developments in the market for digital certificate providers and ensures equal treatment of all qualified suppliers. The amendments aim to ensure seamless use of electronic services in the public sector during the transition period. They provide users with sufficient time to gradually shift to using new forms of electronic identification while supporting the future introduction of the European Digital Wallet for digital identity. The National Assembly’s decision follows discussions regarding the need to adapt to evolving technological standards and user practices. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining accessibility to essential public services while ensuring compliance with international digital identity frameworks. The move aligns with broader efforts to modernize Slovenia’s digital infrastructure and enhance citizen engagement with online government services. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Administration confirmed that the proposed changes had been developed in response to feedback from stakeholders, including service providers and end-users. It highlighted the necessity of balancing regulatory requirements with practical considerations for users who depend on existing systems for daily interactions with public institutions. The implementation of the amended law will require coordination among various governmental bodies responsible for managing digital identification systems. Technical adjustments will be necessary to integrate the expanded list of certificate issuers into current verification processes. Additionally, awareness campaigns may be launched to inform citizens about the extended transitional period and the availability of alternative identification methods. Experts noted that the extension provides a buffer period for both users and service providers to prepare for the eventual phasing out of older certification mechanisms. It allows for a smoother transition to newer, more secure digital identity solutions aligned with European Union standards. However, some concerns remain about potential security risks associated with prolonged reliance on legacy systems, prompting calls for continuous monitoring and updates to cybersecurity protocols. The law’s passage marks a significant step in Slovenia’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation. By addressing immediate challenges related to electronic identification, the government aims to foster greater confidence in digital public services and encourage wider adoption of e-government initiatives. The focus remains on ensuring that technological advancements serve the public interest without compromising security or accessibility.