Strengthening Digital Identity and Social Security Coordination in The Hague

The 8th DC4EU WP6 Social Security Workshop on February 27th and 28th in The Hague, Netherlands, was hosted by Vecozo and the Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, with assistance from Nictiz & Digitale Toegang in de Zorg. The workshop attracted around 60 in-person and 30 online participants, providing a dynamic platform for collaboration among European partners.

The first day of the workshop began with a welcome speech titled “Empowering Citizens in a DigitalEurope: Advancing Social Security and the Free Movement with the EU-Digital Identity Wallet.” Participants were treated to insightful keynotes from the Dutch hosts, including discussions on how Vecozo supports the Dutch healthcare sector in reducing administrative costs. The Bureau of Large-Scale Pilots shared insights into managing Dutch participation in various large-scale pilots and the progress of the Dutch implementation of eIDAS 2.0. In-person attendees had the unique opportunity to test the Dutch national wallet, gaining firsthand experience with this digital identity solution. Keynotes also delved into the architecture for issuing PUBEEAs in #ocial security coordination, exploring options for national architectures and a set of user journeys for piloting. The day concluded with a keynote discussing future visions of Social Security Coordination embedded in the EUDI wallet ecosystem.

On the second day, DC4EU partners briefed participants about their executed piloting efforts and shared valuable lessons learned. The Conceptual Trust Model Based on the eIDAS Regulation was a focal point of discussion, providing insights into the foundational trust infrastructure. An interactive session on trust infrastructure was conducted in groups, allowing in-person attendees to experience how the trust model operates behind the scenes, enhancing their understanding of the mechanisms supporting digital solutions.

The workshop was further enriched with evening programs that fostered networking and cultural engagement. Participants enjoyed a privately hosted tour of the Escher Museum, offering a unique cultural experience in The Hague. The day concluded with a networking dinner, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and collaborate in a relaxed setting.