Romania’s Parliament Approves Controversial Landmark Legislation on Digital Identity Mandate
BUCHAREST — In a decisive session on Tuesday, the Romanian Parliament approved a landmark bill mandating the integration of digital identity cards for all citizens, effective January 2026. The legislation, passed with a 187-102 vote, requires Romanians to possess a biometric electronic ID for access to public services, healthcare, and voting. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu defended the measure as a step toward European Union compliance and modernisation, while opposition leaders and civil rights groups argued it raises privacy concerns and risks disenfranchising rural populations. The new law, which received its final approval in the Chamber of Deputies, now awaits promulgation by President Klaus Iohannis.