The government has reduced the number of free digital IDs to be distributed from five million to just 3.5 million
The Romanian government has significantly scaled back its digital identity card programme, a move that could expose the country to a potential EUR 264 million fine from the European Union for failing to meet its targets. The decision, announced last week, comes after a EUR 21 million budget cut and a series of systemic delays in issuing the new electronic IDs.
The government has reduced the number of free digital IDs to be distributed from five million to just 3.5 million, citing a need to “secure investment” and “streamline the use of funds” in the face of the country’s “systemic fiscal risk.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), in a memorandum dated August 14, also cited a “low public interest” as a reason for the change.
The digital ID initiative, formally known as the cărții electronice de identitate (CEI), is a key component of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The plan mandated that Romania issue five million free electronic IDs by the end of June 2026, alongside the development of 11 online public services.
However, the project has been plagued by delays since its official launch in March. According to data from August, authorities have only managed to issue 436,674 electronic IDs nationwide, a stark contrast to the initial target. Furthermore, only four out of the 11 planned public online services have been completed, a critical failure given that these services are designed to support the use of the new IDs.
While the MAI has cited a lack of citizen interest, other government agencies and public reports paint a different picture. News outlet B1TV has reported a wave of complaints from citizens about massive queues at registration offices. The General Directorate for Persons Records (DGEP) noted that public and private institutions are often not equipped with the necessary readers to view the data stored in the eID’s chip, creating an additional burden on citizens.
In the memorandum, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also acknowledged several “objective factors” slowing the project’s implementation, including its “novelty,” the lack of staff familiarity with the new procedures, and the variable administrative capacity of local authorities.
The consequences of the faltering rollout are severe. The MAI’s own document notes that the country could face a fine of €264 million from the European Commission for non-compliance—a significant financial blow to a country already grappling with a possible recession.
To avoid this scenario, the government has devised a last-minute plan to boost public awareness and streamline the process. This includes organising national “caravans” to promote the eIDs, allowing online registration for documents, and halting the issuance of old-model ID cards.
For many, the project was a key step towards modernising Romania’s public services. The latest announcement, however, signals a broader systemic failure that risks not only vital EU funding but also public trust in the country’s digital future.
