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Germany Sets Jan. 2, 2027 Launch for Secure National Digital Wallet, Says Digital Minister

Wildberger presents an AI-led modernization drive to close network gaps after missed digitalization goals.

Overview

  • Karsten Wildberger said a national digital wallet will debut on January 2, 2027 with ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance cards, with new documents added quarterly under high security standards.
  • He outlined plans to modernize public administration with artificial intelligence and said his team borrows proven approaches from countries such as Estonia and Greece.
  • Priority infrastructure work includes completing the fiber “last mile” into homes and eliminating remaining mobile reception white spots.
  • Wildberger acknowledged the 2024 goal to digitize 575 services was not met and emphasized getting state and municipal authorities online by setting and activating common standards.
  • He said he holds an IT veto in cabinet and has used it on a proposed administrative AI platform, and he explained why ITZ-Bund remains with the Finance Ministry due to tax and customs data, as journalists criticized cultural and structural hurdles including an IAB-cited 325,000 hires for bureaucratic tasks.