Electronic identities are fundamental for secure access to and convenient use of eGovernment services in Europe. A number of Member States have introduced electronic ID (eID) schemes, whilst others are planning to do so. In order to prevent these developments from creating new digital barriers across borders, a set of minimum requirements and common standards must be agreed to enable European eID solutions to interoperate. These issues were discussed at the IDABC Launch Conference in February 2005 and are being further addressed through the new IDABC work programme.