According to a government decision, Ukrainians will be able to use electronic signatures in the European Union to obtain certain services. And the EU’s qualified electronic signature will be recognized in Ukraine.

Many Ukrainians are now abroad. To receive services or prove their identity, Ukrainian citizens and Ukrainian businesses must use a qualified electronic signature. However, the procedure for recognition of electronic signatures in the European Union differs from the Ukrainian identification procedure.

Mutual recognition of electronic signatures with the European Union is a long-term process. But the pilot project approved by the Government will allow to solve the urgent needs for interaction with the EU in the field of electronic trust services before conclusion of an agreement with the EU.

This means that the European Union will be able to recognize the Ukrainian QES as an advanced one. For its part, Ukraine will recognize the EU’s QES.

What are the opportunities for Ukrainians and Ukrainian businesses offered by the pilot project?

• European qualified electronic signatures are recognized in Ukraine;
• The European Union may recognize Ukrainian qualified electronic signatures as advanced;
• Ukraine may recognize electronic signatures created in countries that provide adequate protection of personal data as analogues of handwritten signatures.
• The last point will facilitate further implementation of document sharing between Ukraine and other countries.

Mutual recognition of qualified electronic signatures with the European Union will be an important step in further mutual recognition of our qualified trust services.