Estonia Raises the Bar for Secure Digital Identity in Europe With New eID Cards Developed With Thales

MEUDON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 9, 2026--

With increasing cyber risks and the rapid evolution of digital public services, Estonia is reinforcing the security, durability and adaptability of the documents that underpin its digital society: identity cards, residence permit cards, e-resident digital identity cards, diplomatic identity cards, certificates of AIP (Applicant for International Protection). Backed by Thales’ decades of expertise in secure identity technologies, the new programme introduces stronger protection against fraud, upgraded electronic features and the ability to respond quickly to emerging cybersecurity threats.

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At the heart of the programme is Estonia’s new national eID card, designed by Thales to blend strong physical protection with robust digital security. Its materials, visual features and advanced security techniques make the card instantly recognisable, easy to verify, and highly resistant to tampering or counterfeiting (including the use of translucent polycarbonate with transparent edges and multiple optical features).

Beyond physical security, Estonia’s new electronic identity documents benefit from upgradeable software. Should new cybersecurity risks emerge, already-issued cards can be remotely updated, ensuring citizens’ digital transactions remain protected over time without replacing the card itself. For end-users, the experience remains simple: the card works as their key to secure online services, digital signatures, banking, healthcare access, interactions with government portals, and even seamless travel through eGates at borders.

Behind the scenes, Thales ensures full operations from card issuance to lifecycle management, and guarantees that:

As a trusted leader in digital identity and cybersecurity, Thales provides a solution fully compliant with eIDAS (the European Union regulation governing electronic identification and eServices), providing citizens with the highest standards of security and interoperability, and seamless access to digital services across Europe.

Liis Valk, Head of Identity and Status Bureau Estonian Police and Border Guard Board commented :“Estonia’s digital ecosystem depends on the trust citizens place in their identity documents. With this new generation of eID cards, we are strengthening both physical and digital security while ensuring people can continue using our services with confidence. Thales’ expertise has enabled us to bring world-class security features to every citizen.”

“Estonia has long been a pioneer in digital identity, and we are proud to support the next chapter of this remarkable journey. These new cards combine advanced document design with strong cybersecurity foundations, ensuring resilience against emerging threats,” added Nathalie Gosset, VP Identity and Biometric Solutions, Thales. “Together, we are helping to build a secure, future-proof identity framework for all residents and citizens.”

1 Earlier this year, Estonia’s new-generation eID card has been awarded the “ Best New National eID Card ” at High Security Printing EMEA conference in Morocco.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

© Reelika Riimand - Estonian Police and Border Guard Board

Heavy downpours in South Texas washed out highways and stranded motorists Tuesday as forecasters warned that a threat of more severe weather could bring dangerous flooding to already drenched counties near the border with Mexico.

Storms dumped up to a foot of rain in some rural areas of Texas, leading to dozens of high-water rescues across the region and officials shutting down portions of a busy highway for hours near Uvalde, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) west of San Antonio. A flood watch also included Kerr County, where catastrophic flooding last year along the Guadalupe River killed more than 100 people.

No deaths or injuries Tuesday were immediately reported.

The National Weather Service warned that storms overnight could dump more than a foot of additional rain to some places into Wednesday, creating potentially catastrophic impacts from flash flooding in areas west of San Antonio. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for dozens of counties.

“Intense rain rates and compounding effects from multiple rounds of storms will result in a dangerous flash flooding threat through Thursday,” the National Weather Service said.

Authorities on Tuesday posted videos of a rescue crew in a boat down flooded streets and one vehicle being swept away by fast-moving waters. Five people were rescued by members of the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team and four were rescued by a local game warden, said Maggie Berger, a spokesperson for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

In Uvalde, officials said there had been at least two dozen water rescues. They opened a local event center for anyone displaced by flooding. In Sabinal, officials were also making plans for a shelter.

In this handout photo provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, game wardens walk through high waters from heavy rains in Uvalde County, Texas, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department via AP)