The Irish government attempted to introduce an ID scheme through a back door and got their knuckles rapped by the Data Protection Commissioner here due to a number of reasons (lack of information regarding what citizens were signing up for and how their data would be shared; lack of legislation to support such a card/database; lack of rationale for more or less indefinite retention of your most personal information).

One outcome of the legal cases and appeals is that any government organisation using the card / database for identity verification (lots tried to make it the only form), must make an alternative approach available that is as convenient. The reality is that the alternatives usually require you to present in person and staffing levels have been lowered during COVID / because many people have switched to the digital system.

So there is a trend across Europe to implement this. I personally feel, that in many cases the investment in digital solutions is worthwhile (it's painful watching government employees type in information that the organisation already has access to - wastes time for everyone). BUT... It has to be done in an open, transparent and legal manner.

Highlighting the issue at an EU level, may result in frameworks that deliver the best solution for all EU citizens.