Verifiable Credentials: Powering a Digital Identity Breakthrough in Europe

GFT helps DVKA bring secure digital wallets to life, advancing free movement and trust across EU borders
Through the Digital Credentials for Europe (DC4EU) initiative, GFT is supporting DVKA (Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung Ausland) in developing secure, cryptographically protected A1 certificates. These verifiable credentials confirm a citizen’s social security coverage when temporarily working in another EU country — a critical step in eliminating double contributions or coverage gaps, while enabling smooth cross-border employment. By embedding these credentials into digital wallets, this collaboration is unlocking greater efficiency, security, and user control — and setting a new standard for digital trust across Europe.

Instant verification

Verifiable credentials enable real-time, issuer-free validation across borders.

EU-wide compliance

Fully aligned with eIDAS 2.0 and DC4EU framework for digital identity.

Full user control

A1 certificates are stored in personal wallets — users decide what to share.

“This development required a deep understanding of both the regulatory framework and the available technologies. As our trusted partner, GFT is helping us navigate both challenges to deliver an excellent user experience.”

Markus Ahlrichs
Head of IT Services International
DVKA
Client
GKV-Spitzenverband Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung - Ausland (DVKA)
Within the GKV-Spitzenverband, the DVKA forms the interface as a European and global partner of the social security institutions. Competence in advice and service ensures the implementation of supranational and intergovernmental legal relationships with insured persons, employers, social insurance institutions and their associations as well as internationally active institutions. The DVKA's National Contact Point provides competent information to domestic and foreign patients about treatment options in Germany and the EU member states.

Challenge

Challenge
Building a digital wallet that meets the highest standards for verification, user control, and EU regulation

At the heart of the initiative is the EU’s eIDAS (electronic Identification, Authentication and trust Services) regulation — designed to standardize and secure cross-border digital identity across all member states. Under eIDAS 2.0, every EU country must offer its citizens a certified digital wallet for storing official credentials such as education records, social security status, and identity documents.

DC4EU puts this framework into action, with real-world use cases in education and social security. DVKA — Germany’s liaison office for cross-border health insurance — is leading efforts in the social domain. As a trusted provider of services for German health insurers and international institutions, DVKA partnered with GFT to explore how to translate this new regulation into secure, usable technology.

 

“This is a smart solution that provides both convenience and flexibility — but most importantly, it puts users in complete control of their personal data.”

Aylin Ritzert
Product Owner
DVKA

Engagement

Engagement
From complex regulation to working digital credentials

DVKA and GFT’s longstanding partnership laid the groundwork for success. To meet the eIDAS 2.0 requirements, GFT conducted a comprehensive legislative analysis and mapped out how changes would affect DVKA’s business processes and users.

 

The result? A new model for creating A1 certificates as verifiable credentials — digitally signed, stored in user wallets, and easily verified without contacting the issuer.

 

This architecture is based on three roles:

  • Issuer – creates and cryptographically signs the credential
  • Holder – stores the credential in a digital wallet
  • Verifier – checks authenticity based on the digital signature

Unlike traditional centralized systems, where the verifier must query the issuer, this decentralized model enables instant, tamper-proof verification. The result: faster service, stronger security, and greater user autonomy.

Key Benefits of the DC4EU Architecture
  • Tamper-proof security – Cryptographic signatures prevent undetected data changes
  • Cross-platform interoperability – Credentials work seamlessly across ecosystems
  • User ownership – Individuals choose when and with whom to share data
  • Scalable infrastructure – Built for high-volume, real-world use cases

GFT also ensured the solution complies with key technical standards, including OIDC4VCI and OIDC4VP, supporting seamless integration with the wider European identity ecosystem.

 

“This project marks a significant leap forward in the social sector. It’s paving the way for a more secure and efficient future for social security systems across Europe.”

Andreas Kopp
Senior Manager
GFT Technologies SE
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Benefit

Benefit
A milestone for digital trust in Europe’s social security sector

This pioneering collaboration marks a major step forward in creating a unified digital identity framework for Europe. By turning policy into real, user-friendly technology, GFT and DVKA are helping ensure that EU citizens can work across borders without facing social security uncertainty.

With “prove once, use everywhere” credentials, the European Digital Identity Wallet supports a wide range of use cases — from job mobility to education and e-signatures — all built on trust and user empowerment.

GFT continues to support DVKA through the rollout of this solution, helping refine and expand its impact.

 

“Standing at the forefront of DC4EU implementation, digital wallets are ushering in a new era of identity verification in Europe — and new use cases are emerging constantly.”

Markus Ahlrichs
Head of IT Services International
DVKA

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    Verifiable Credentials: Powering a Digital Identity Breakthrough in Europe

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