European Commission 15 September 2026, COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Accompanying the document Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on digitalising the coordination of social security systems, laying down a framework for the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) and amending Regulations (EC) No 883/2004, (EC) No 987/2009 and (EU) No 2018/1724

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This European Commission Staff Working Document sets out an impact assessment for a proposed Regulation digitalising social security coordination, establishing a framework for the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), and amending Regulations (EC) No 883/2004, (EC) No 987/2009, and (EU) 2018/1724 pursuant to Article 48 TFEU. The preferred policy option (Policy Option 3) introduces a mandatory dual-format framework that deploys European Digital Identity (EUDI) wallets for verifiable digital credentials alongside machine-readable, enhanced physical and PDF documents featuring verification elements such as QR codes. Accompanied by binding issuance deadlines, convergence of portable document A1 information requirements, and an implementing committee under Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, the initiative targets real-time cross-border verification, reduction of administrative burdens and fraud, and full interoperability while preserving user data protection under the GDPR.AI