Transition to a new era in terms of bureaucratic procedures, hopes to offer the electronic wallet.

It is an application in which the citizen will have a digital identity card and driver's license, while at the same time access to prescriptions will be given as well as connection to the electronic services of the state.

As noted by the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Filippos Hadjizacharias, contacts, discussions and work are taking place for the creation of the electronic wallet. He suggests incorporating additional documents and services into the wallet, such as the digital signature, car insurance and fan card.

The Deputy Minister said that he has prepared a note with suggestions to be examined with the team that manages this policy.

"There is a need for the digital wallet. Besides, it is also provided for by the European Union based on the eIDAS regulation," he said, adding that with the agreement of the EU, it was decided instead of creating a national and a European digital wallet, to merge the two into one common.

"Based on the contract signed by the Republic of Cyprus, the digital wallet will include: the identity card, the driver's license, electronic prescriptions, while there will also be a connection to the electronic services of the state."

However, notes Mr. Hadjizacharias, he proposes that in addition to these four documents/services, this wallet be enriched by also including a birth certificate, car insurance, electronic signature, registration certificate, passport as well as other personal official documents.

"The citizen of Cyprus, by downloading this application, will be given the opportunity to have a centralized digital wallet that will simplify his life."

Regarding the electronic signature, Mr. Hadjizacharias noted that the contractor company, which has also contracted with the European Union, has prepared and provides this service for Cypriot citizens against a fee. The electronic signature, as the Deputy Minister clarified, gives the user the opportunity to sign digitally, thus relieving him of the obligation of physical presence in any place in order to ensure the authenticity of the signature.

"This tool is available today, but as a Deputy Ministry we started a discussion at the level of the Council of Ministers and together with the contractor company to ensure a better price and reduce the costs that will be borne by taxpayers." As he said, today this cost amounts to €50 per year per citizen with a three-year contract.

"I have proposed that the cost of this service should be borne by the state. It is a service that will simplify people's lives. That's why I want the electronic signature to be incorporated into the e-wallet."